The opening of the summer transfer window is one of the most important dates on the European footballing calendar. From a Leeds United perspective, it feels like a particularly pivotal one after the Whites narrowly avoided relegation this season.
Supporters will be hoping for a much less stressful campaign when the Premier League returns on the first weekend of August. They know as much as anyone that any chance of that hangs largely on the incomings and outgoings at Elland Road over the next few months.
Leeds have wasted no time in getting business done as the signing of Brenden Aaronson has already been confirmed, while Rasmus Kristensen’s arrival appears to be in the works. Although, the first of those deals has been done before the transfer window has officially opened.
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Here are all the details you need to know regarding the summer transfer window.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
The summer transfer window officially opens for Premier League clubs on Friday, June 10 despite most of them already engaging in transfer business. It opens slightly earlier than usual because of the early start to next season, caused by the mid-season Qatar World Cup in November and December.
The transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1, ensuring that both the opening and closing dates align with those of the other major European leagues.
What transfers have been completed in the Premier League so far?
As mentioned, there has been plenty of business already conducted prior to the opening of the transfer window. Leeds have acted quickly in signing Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg for around £22m with Kristen expected to follow from the Austrian champions for £10m.
Elsewhere, the biggest signing so far involves Erling Haaland and his move to Manchester City while Aston Villa have been the busiest of the Premier League sides. Steven Gerrard has already added Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and Robin Olsen to his squad whilst also making Phillipe Coutinho’s move a permanent one.
Liverpool have announced the signing of Fabio Carvalho, who was previously linked with a move to Leeds, from Fulham and Tottenham have brought Ivan Perisic to North London on a free transfer. Arsenal have announced the arrival of American goalkeeper Matt Turner and Wolves have made Hwang Hee-Chan’s loan from RB Leipzig permanent.
As for outgoings from the Premier League, Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger has agreed a free transfer to Champions League winners Real Madrid while Jayson Molumby and Jack Young have left Brighton and Newcastle respectively.
What other transfer business is expected from Leeds United?
The arrivals of Aaronson and Kristensen seem as though they will be just the beginning for Leeds who are already looking to strike deals elsewhere. New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos has been heavily linked as the Whites are keen to bring in cover (and competition) for Patrick Bamford.
Reinforcements in the centre of midfield are also on the agenda at Elland Road after their lack of depth was laid bare with injuries to key players throughout the season. Another centre-back will be another priority on the back of the defensive frailties being exploited so frequently under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch. Following Junior Firpo’s struggles in his first season in the Premier League, a left-back might also be on the wishlist.
Despite all the potential incomings, the transfer agenda at Leeds will be largely dominated by outgoings. Raphinha is the subject of a saga between the Whites and Barcelona with the Spanish giants unable to afford the asking price that has been set on the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips has also been linked with a big-money departure to an array of the Premier League’s - and Europe’s – biggest clubs. Although, after securing top-flight survival, hope remains that he might sign a new deal at Leeds given his affection for the club.
A handful of loan departures are also likely with Marsch keen to get some of his most promising young players in squads where they will have exposure to regular first-team involvement. There may also be sales of some of the players who find themselves outside of the American’s plans at Elland Road.
