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It’s going to be a busy summer at Leeds United one way or another, with Elland Road chiefs set to either be recruiting for Premier League survival or accepting the reality of a third season in the Championship. All involved will be hoping for the former and despite a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City on Saturday, Daniel Farke’s side remain well-placed to secure a top-two finish.
Should Leeds and Farke achieve their ultimate goal, then the focus of this summer will be on incoming recruitment but decisions will also have to be made on the current squad, namely those coming towards the end of their contracts or fringe players who will only fall further down the pecking order. Many of the current squad would be expected to lead the fight for continued Premier League status but some difficult decisions might also need to be taken.
Below, the YEP has taken an early look at the current first-team squad with 10 who could feasibly leave, 6 whose future is undecided and 12 who many expect to stay on. Take a look below to see.
13. Max Wober - undecided
Injury issues have plagued the Austrian's return from loan but he is not first-choice at left-back or centre-back either. Has been linked with a return to former clubs Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Salzburg. There's never really been a feeling he's settled right back into Leeds in a way Brenden Aaronson has. | Getty Images
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14. Isaac Schmidt - undecided
Clearly on the periphery of things already and that could become even more apparent if Leeds recruit heavily following promotion. Perhaps a loan move away might benefit the recently-capped Swiss international, but he could just as easily force his way into the picture over summer. | Getty Images
15. Darko Gyabi - undecided
Leeds' resistance to any kind of permanent offer from Plymouth last summer would suggest there is still hope the midfielder can find a place in Daniel Farke's plans. Impressing a lot at Home Park, only 21 and will have two years left on his Elland Road deal this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Mateo Joseph - undecided
Maybe in a similar position to Schmidt in that a season-long loan could offer the Spanish U21 international regular football to develop. Clearly an exciting young talent and so any move would only likely be temporary. | Getty Images
17. Alex Cairns - will stay
The experienced goalkeeper will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer but is expected to stay on, with reports earlier this season suggesting he could merge into some kind of coaching role at Leeds. Photo: LUFC
18. Jayden Bogle - will stay
Has been excellent this season and bought from Sheffield United with a view to continue improving in the Premier League. Perhaps there'll be some more genuine competition next season. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire