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Leeds United have just four weeks to prepare for their return to competitive action, with the opening game of the Championship season at home to Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10. Daniel Farke’s side will be keen to bounce back from May’s play-off final defeat to Southampton and know a fast start could prove crucial to their promotion hopes.
Transfer activity has intensified in recent weeks with Joe Rothwell the latest arrival, joining on a season-long loan after the permanent signings of Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns. More ins and outs are expected between now and the August 30 deadline but the four weeks until the visit of Portsmouth will fly by and the matchday squad might not differ much from the one that Farke could pick now.
Below, the YEP has drawn up a potential starting line-up and bench for that season opener with the current squad, and there may be some tough decisions to make. As ever, things are subject to change quickly as the summer window rumbles on.
7. CM: Glen Kamara
Leeds have every intention of keeping Kamara, despite interest from Stade Rennais, and he remains part of the squad as things stand. Farke will likely give the Finland international a chance to keep his place, with recent loan arrival Joe Rothwell as cover. | Getty Images
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8. RW: Wilfried Gnonto
The £40m sale of Archie Gray has put Leeds in a good position and they aren't actively looking to sell anyone. It means Gnonto could end up staying and featuring next month, ahead of Dan James. | Getty Images
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9. CAM: Georginio Rutter
Leeds rejected a £30m bid from Brighton for Rutter and the French creator-in-chief will hope to rediscover his form from the first two-thirds of last season. Will hope to improve on his goalscoring output. | Getty Images
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10. LW: Crysencio Summerville
Has been at Thorp Arch for pre-season and, as with Kamara and Gnonto, Leeds are not looking to sell despite Premier League interest. Would be an incredible boost if last season's Championship Player of the Year features against Portsmouth. | Getty Images
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11. ST: Patrick Bamford
Yet to train with the squad as Leeds slowly build fitness amid ongoing injury issues. The aim is obviously to have the 30-year-old fit and firing in time for the visit of Portsmouth. | Getty Images
12. Sub: Karl Darlow
Expected to keep his spot as second-choice despite the recent arrival of Alex Cairns. | Getty Images