Leeds United are just a few weeks away from what chairman Paraag Marathe recently described as the most important summer in decades, with preparations underway for the return of Premier League football to Elland Road. Reports have suggested Daniel Farke could have more than £100million to spend and the expectation is reinforcements will arrive across multiple positions.
Preparing for the step up from Championship to Premier League is not easy, and clubs like Leeds need to get virtually every decision right to stand a chance of survival. Elland Road chiefs - albeit many of which have now left - were in a similar position five years ago as they prepared for their long-awaited top-flight return under Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds got plenty of business done that summer, with a total of 13 combined incomings and outgoings as Bielsa attempted to build a squad fit for the Premier League. Those 13 players have enjoyed very different careers since, and the YEP has taken a look at what they’re all up to now below.
7. Illan Meslier - incoming
Having replaced Kiko Casilla as first-choice towards the end of Leeds' title-winning campaign, Meslier saw his loan from FC Lorient made permanent for around £5m. Had been first choice at Elland Road up until five weeks ago, when he was dropped by Daniel Farke. Got to celebrate a second title earlier this month as one of just three to have been there last time. Could well leave this summer. | Getty Images
8. Robin Koch - incoming
Leeds signed Koch in a £13m deal from SC Freiburg, with the German backed to replace returning Brighton loanee Ben White in central defence. Played relatively often across three Premier League campaigns before triggering a relegation release clause. Joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan before moving for free last summer once his Elland Road deal expired. Has since earned a number of call-ups to the German national team. | Getty Images
9. Diego Llorente - incoming
The experienced defender signed for a reported £18m back in September 2020 and despite a few too many mishaps, looked impressive under Marcelo Bielsa, particularly during their end-of-season run of wins. Didn't settled in to life in England, however, spending two years on loan at AS Roma before a permanent move to Real Betis last summer. Still playing regularly for the Spanish side who are fighting for European football. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Helder Costa - incoming
Like Meslier, the winger's loan move from Wolves was made permanent following promotion, costing Leeds around £16m. Contributed to a decent level but ended up being completely overshadowed by another summer 2020 arrival down that right-hand side. Loaned out to Valencia and Al-Ittihad before his Whites contract was terminated by mutual consent in October 2023. After a brief spell at Estoril in Portugal, the 31-year-old joined Chinese outfit Yunnan Yukun in January. Photo: Bruuce Rollinson
11. Raphinha - incoming
A late-window arrival, joining in a £17m deal from Rennes, Raphinha was virtually unknown in West Yorkshire but went on to enjoy two incredible campaigns at Leeds, often single-handedly dragging them away from relegation trouble. Joined Barcelona in a £55m deal three years ago and has gone on to new heights, with 34 goals and 22 assists this season. Has regularly been the bookies favourite to win the Ballon d'Or later this year and is right in the mix. | Getty Images
12. Joe Gelhardt - incoming
Leeds took advantage of Wigan Athletic's financial issues to snap Gelhardt up for just £1m, with the striker initially joining up with the U21s. Had some memorable moments at Elland Road - most notably that goal against Norwich City - but fallen out of favour under Farke. Spent the second-half of this season on loan at Hull City, scoring five goals, but is due back in West Yorkshire soon with another uncertain summer ahead. | Getty Images