Leeds United will go into the summer with much optimism after they were able to secure their Premier League position for next season in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season. Leeds would need a result at Brentford whilst also needing Burnley to drop points against Newcastle, and that's exactly what happened.
They have already made progress on their first signing of the summer, with RB Salzburg's Brenden Aaronson close to a deal. The US international is reportedly undergoing a medical ahead of an Elland Road switch.
It was a truly disappointing season which lead to the sacking of the legendary figure Marcelo Bielsa, but one which ended on a high note - something Leeds will want to ride into the off-season with.
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The quality of players which Leeds will now be able to attract to the club will be significantly better than the situation they would have found themselves should they have been relegated. Already, some top quality players are being linked to Elland Road.
Marsch is a respected coach around Europe, and with the allure of playing for some of the best fans in the country for Leeds United, it could be an exciting summer. Here, we take a look at all the squad numbers which could be available for new signings and speculate as to good fits for them.
Number 7
After an injury-hit loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, and never really getting a look-in at Leeds United, it's fair to say that Ian Poveda may not be able to hold on to the famous number 7 jersey this summer.
Famously worn by the likes of Gordon Strachan, Robbie Keane, and most recently Kemar Roofe, it's a highly sought-after number which Leeds fans have not seen in recent years, but there will be plenty of candidates to take it this summer.
One of the main candidates will be young American winger Brenden Aaronson, who is set to be Leeds United's first signing of the summer. The Athletic have reported a £22million offer has now been accepted by Salzburg - a player who Marsch has previously coached.
The 21-year-old attacker scored nine league goals in his first season in Europe, impressing with a number of teams interested.
Number 8
It's been a long time since we've seen a Leeds United player don the number 8 jersey - with Vurnon Anita being the last man to wear the shirt almost five years ago. The number is usually a favourite amongst box-to-box midfielders, and it would be a surprise if it's not picked up by a potential new signing this summer - or even a current player.
One player who has previously been linked with Leeds, Reading's John Swift, could be a contender for the jersey. Swift posted some seriously impressive numbers this season, scoring 11 goals and adding 13 assists from central midfield in the Championship.
Number 10?
Leeds United fans will not want to be thinking about this right now, but it's still looking increasingly likely that Raphinha will leave the club this summer.
Barcelona’s interest is going nowhere but Raphinha will have been fully aware that his chance of a move to Catalonia will have decreased with Leeds maintaining their Premier League status. If the reported £25m or £30m relegation release clause exists in his contract, a drop into the Championship would have enhanced the possibility of a big move.
Blackburn's Ben Brereton Diaz is a player who has previously been linked to Leeds, who scored 22 goals in the Championship this past season and has seemingly found a new lease of life since he represented Chile at Copa America in the summer.
Alternatively, could Jack Harrison be given the number? The winger is an influential player and would certainly deserve the jersey should he ask for it.
Number 12
In terms of defensive shirt numbers, the No.12 shirt is currently unoccupied at Elland Road - a number usually taken by defenders or goalkeepers.
Most recently worn by left-back Laurens de Bock, the squad number remains untaken. And it could be handed out If another left-back was brought in to provide competition for summer signing Junior Firpo.
Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez continues to be linked to Leeds after a strong season with Anderlecht and could be a candidate.
Number 18
Two players immediately come to mind when thinking about this number - Takumi Minamino and Ross Barkley.
Leeds United were linked with Japanese and Liverpool forward Minamino in the last transfer window, and a move could materialise with Leeds remaining in the Premier League, with Marsch having a good relationship with the player.
Marsch coached Minamino at RB Salzburg, and the player may be looking for a move after a lack of game time this season for Jurgen Klopp's side. Minamino quietly put together a strong season with the Reds, scoring 10 goals and finishing as their fifth top scorer behind Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
Barkley, meanwhile, is on the outside looking in at Chelsea, and will almost certainly be looking for a Premier League side to get his career back on track. Still only 28 years old, Barkley is a talented attacking midfielder who would immediately upgrade Leeds' options at the position.
