Leeds United Q and A with exit prediction and key to Rodon deal as summer transfer window opens
Other than the YEP’s news of Brenden Aaronson returning, it has been a quiet week at Elland Road. This summer was never going to come close to the madness of its 2023 predecessor. A stable ownership picture, a manager with the backing of the chairman and the nucleus of a squad that came within 90 minutes of the Premier League are all still in place, meaning the ins and outs will not be anywhere near as significant. Leeds have a head start on their former selves and Daniel Farke has a full pre-season to go at, but there remains so much work to be done in order to put a title challenge together.
They will need wingers, because at least one of the current wide players is highly likely to depart. They will need to address the hole that Joe Rodon’s return to Tottenham Hotspur has created - perhaps with another play for the Welsh international - and the potential exit of Liam Cooper should contract talks not lead to a new deal. Farke talked a lot about needing more goals from all over the pitch last season and the midfield was one area that did not chip in enough. And there are other areas of the pitch that could do with a fresh lick of paint.
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Hide AdThough there is nothing imminent on the player trading front, Leeds will be active in the window. The club has made no secret of the need for a player sale, or two, in order to stay on the right side of the EFL’S Profitability and Sustainability regulations and there are a number of candidates in the squad who could help them achieve the necessary profit. But as chairman Paraag Marathe made clear, Leeds will be out to recruit and strengthen Farke’s hand in order to put out what they believe will be the best side in the division. So ahead of the transfer business getting properly underway, here are some of your questions and the YEP take on what you want to know about Leeds United, right now.
Leeds United Q and A
@RWBielsa Graham, talk to me about Wober and Kristensen - any news about them returning like Aaronson?
The latest I've had from the club is that nothing can be ruled out just yet. I know why people hone in on Wober, because you would expect him to find the Championship incredibly comfortable and he adds depth at left-sided centre-back and at left-back. I certainly wouldn't have him ahead of Pascal Struijk and if they can keep Junior Firpo fit then why would he not play, given the offensive attributes he brings? The thing about Wober and Kristensen is that Leeds distinctly had the feeling both would stay last summer. Neither man did. I don't get the impression that Paraag Marathe and 49ers Enterprises would put pride before business or sporting decisions, but nor do I see them building a team around players who ran away after relegation. I don't see much of a case at all for reintegrating Kristensen - someone will take him on loan and pay a chunk if not all of his wages - and I can only just about see a case for Wober. Mind, I could only just about see a case for Aaronson before Monday.
@Hfosterrob Hi Graham. For the Q&A. Is there an expectation that Charlie Crew is worked into the first team next season? Cannot see him playing a big role, but being in contention for a squad place. Thanks, Henry.
No, Henry, thank you. I could see Crew being worked into the plans next season but I would be surprised if he was a mainstay from the outset in the way Gray was last season. I think it'll be more of a drip feed operation and patience will be required, as was the case with Mateo Joseph. Farke evidently rates the youngster, plus he's Welsh and that seems to play very well with the manager, and he's had sufficient time in and around the senior squad to suggest he's on track. Crew has earned lots of rave reviews, it would be nice to see where he is in terms of his development and senior club football. Look out for him in the early round(s) of the Carabao Cup or FA Cup.
@HouseJakeBuilt Who is your Leeds United reporters 5-a-side team?
I'm up front, obviously. Well actually more of a free role but I will track back. Sky Sports' Tim Thornton in midfield. He's an excellent footballer. Joe Donnohue and 6ft 7ins Beren Cross at the back. Adam Pope in goal. Hands like ham hocks.
@s90rny Graham, what's the story with Joffy? Surely he can't sit in the 23s for the rest of his Leeds career? Any move on the cards?
We're still very much in the period of the summer when almost everything is in flux but I would be stunned if Gelhardt was not itching to get out of Elland Road and into a team where he can play football and score goals. I think he would have Championship takers but I wouldn't be against a drop down into League One. He needs game time, confidence and a rhythm. He needs goals. Things have really stalled for him at Leeds and if he wasn't trusted to start under Farke last season, why would that suddenly change. The 191 minutes he played did very little for him.
@devt_lufc Who is one player you’d realistically sign if you was Farke this summer?
To my mind Leeds need a right-back, so that Gray can move back into midfield, they need someone with a more attacking profile for the 8 or 10 roles, they need Joe Rodon back, they'll need wingers and I'd like to see a centre forward brought in. They could improve the goalkeeping department - although that is maybe not such a priority - but if I was to choose just one player it would be Sammie Szmodics. Alas, he's not as realistic perhaps as the one my colleague Joe Donnohue is so sold on - Kieffer Moore. Get one of those two and I think Leeds would have improved their attacking options. Get both and they'd really be cooking.
@catbm74 How much of a chance have we got of signing Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts again?
The Rodon one is very much the priority, of the two, because of his importance to the side last season. The numbers have to stack up and Tottenham have of course protected themselves a little better with that extra year thanks to the contract option, but I think Rodon is pretty key here. He felt like he'd found a home at Elland Road last season, he enjoyed himself and was popular not just with the Welsh lads but the rest of the squad. Daniel Farke loves him. The fans love him. He will want to come back and that will stand in Leeds' favour. As long as there is not an outrageous British tax added by Spurs, I could see Leeds making this one happen.
As for Roberts, well Burnley will not be minded to do a promotion rival any favours. He only has a year left on his deal so if he and Burnley are not keen to stick together then a sale would make sense. Would it make sense for Leeds to spend the money on him? Whilst he settled straight into the squad, his performances were not so compelling that Farke wanted to start him over Archie Gray, so although it's still too early to rule anyone or anything out, I would categorise Rodon as the more likely returnee.
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