Leeds United were set to be ripped apart had the club succumbed to relegation last weekend. In scenes drawing stark parallels to 2004, star names such as Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha would have been easy prey for a host of top European clubs.
However, the Whites now enter the summer months safe in the knowledge they can still offer Premier League football to potential transfer targets. Burnley, Watford and Norwich finished in the bottom three and the financial consequences that come with relegation means Leeds could sniff out a bargain or two.
LeedsLive picks the best XI from the relegated sides and profiles whether any players would be a good fit at Elland Road…
Nick Pope
Pope was in stellar form during the relegation run-in but his heroics could not keep Burnley up. A man-of-the-match in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa showcased his importance to the Clarets’ cause.
With eight England caps to his name, the goalkeeper would provide solid competition for Islan Meslier if Leeds made a move.
Max Aarons
The only Norwich player in the team, Aarons’ stock has risen this season despite finishing rock-bottom with the Canaries. His England prospects look bleak due to the quality ahead of him at right-back but he still has the quality to become a solid Premier League defender.
At 22-years-old, the Whites could view Aarons as a long-term replacement for Luke Ayling.
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski‘s contract is up next month after six years of service at Burnley. A no-nonsense defender, he would provide top-flight experience at centre-back for Jesse Marsch.
Ben Mee
Burnley’s captain would likely be the last to leave the sinking ship at Turf Moor. His contract also expires next month but the club do have an option to extend by a further year.
Danny Rose
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Rose has fallen out of favour at Watford following a move last summer. It is crazy how the left-back - who has 29 England caps - is still only 31 but that is an indictment of how far his stock has fallen.
Rose would be an astute signing if Leeds can help him rediscover the form that made him one of the best full-backs in the league.
Tom Cleverley
Cleverley is coming to the tail-end of his career at 32 but would still do a job as a utility player in the top flight. Stints at Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa means the midfielder knows what it takes to represent a big club.
Josh Brownhill
The Burnley stalwart has barely missed a game since arriving from Bristol City two years ago. However, his inclusion in this team proves how poor the midfield options are at the three relegated clubs.
Moussa Sissoko
The former Newcastle United and Spurs midfielder is the most experienced in the side having made 72 appearances for France. He has also played in a Champions League and European Championship final and, given Leeds’ midfield woes last season, could be a solid acquisition.
Ismaila Sarr
Arguably the star of the XI, Sarr struggled with injuries last season but still netted five goals in 22 Premier League games. Two years remaining on his current deal means Watford could cash in on their star asset, who is certainly capable of staying in the Premier League.
Maxwel Cornet
Operating at winger and full-back, the Ivorian bagged nine in a debut top-flight season to stand out as Burnley’s key performer. Analytical site transfermarkt.com value the 25-year-old at £12.6million and it will not be a surprise to see him on the move this summer.
Emmanuel Dennis
Another player who starred in his debut season despite being relegated, Dennis scored a respectable 10 goals but failed to keep Watford in the division. Playing in a better side could help the 24-year-old unleash his true potential and Patrick Bamford’s poor injury record makes Dennis a plausible option.
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