There are players who plainly have no future at Elland Road, others whose price tag or wage make their departures almost inevitable and those whose position at the club will be heavily debated before any decisions are reached.
Although the club find themselves in a period of stasis due to the uncertain nature of the ownership picture and a 49ers Enterprises takeover that is yet to be agreed, it is still possible to try and predict what will happen with a small number of players. Rodrigo, for instance, is one of the best bets to say goodbye after three up-and-down seasons at Leeds. A 2020 record signing for around £27m, the ex-Spanish international suffered from injury problems and difficulties finding a natural home in Marcelo Bielsa’s system. He did, however, find relatively profilic goalscoring form in a poor side this season and were it not for his goals then relegation would have been confirmed much earlier. Player of the Season, if there were to be one, would go to him. The forward’s wage, coupled with the value he will retain thanks to those 13 Premier League goals, makes it highly likely that he has played his last game for the club now that they are once again a Championship outfit.
There were sufficient noises about a summer move for Robin Koch even while survival was a going concern to suggest he will soon be off, prioritising his German national team dream and seeking a top-flight club in England or beyond. Junior Firpo’s time at the club is surely coming to an end as well given how poorly things have worked out for the left-back since coming to Elland Road in 2021.
Ultimately, though, everything carries the caveat that until the takeover is sorted then we don’t know who is going to come in and shape the squad, who will manage it and how players will fit into their plans. In the meantime, here’s the YEP’s early predictions, based on a mixture of what we’re hearing and common sense, for who could stay and who could go this summer.
There were sufficient noises about a summer move for Robin Koch even while survival was a going concern to suggest he will soon be off, prioritising his German national team dream and seeking a top-flight club in England or beyond. Junior Firpo’s time at the club is surely coming to an end as well given how poorly things have worked out for the left-back since coming to Elland Road in 2021.
13. Charlie Cresswell
Went away a boy, came back a man with Championship experience. Rode a storm or two but found his feet. A player Leeds should be betting big on and probably starting next season because they could eventually make a star of him. Photo: Warren Little
14. Liam Cooper
Has his critics, has made mistakes but by and large was fine in the Premier League and would be more than fine in the Championship. If Wober remains, it'd be an epic tussle for the left-sided centre-back role. Definitely a player who will want to stay and fight to get Leeds back up. Photo: Gareth Copley
15. Stuart Dallas
Hasn't played a minute since the 2021/22 season and how Leeds have missed him. The hope was that he would be playing by now, his international boss then hoped for June. This summer will be about getting ready to return to action. If he's even close to the player he was he'll be invaluable next season. Stays. Photo: OLI SCARFF
16. Adam Forshaw
Forshaw is a very good player. When he plays he generally plays well. The problem is how often he's able to play. Out of contract but a one-year deal, or even a pay-as-you-play contract, would not seem unlikely. Experienced, good to have around. Only his injury record brings doubt. Photo: Stu Forster
17. Tyler Adams
A player Leeds should and will bend over backwards to keep. Obviously there's a good chance he goes because he's the captain of an international side and proved himself a Premier League player. With his American colleagues likely to depart, he might also reluctantly say goodbye. Photo: OLI SCARFF
18. Marc Roca
It was obvious Allardyce wasn't having Roca so if he was to become permanent manager then it'd be hard to see the Spaniard staying. A good ball player, who you'd think could cut it in the Championship but if an offer came in Leeds might think about it. Cut an unhappy figure at times, might decide he needs a move. Photo: Tom Dulat