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.
20. Lewis Bate
Did well out on loan in League One. Will come back and be part of the squad but will hope or expect to get some game time to justify sticking around. A Championship loan would have looked likely prior to Leeds' relegation, so why not develop him at home now instead? Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
21. Darko Gyabi
A big talent with a big future. If you were going to loan him out this season it would be to the Championship, so why strengthen a rival team? A first team breakthrough would be required, to keep him content however. Under 21s football is no longer any good to him. Photo: JUAN MABROMATA
22. Jamie Shackleton
Spent a season on loan at Millwall, started a decent number of games but didn't nail down a key role. Question lingers over what he actually is. Would be a useful squad player in the Championship so sticking around feels quite likely. Photo: Ashley Allen
23. Alfie McCalmont
Had a terrific loan spell at Carlisle in the second half of the season and helped them win promotion to League One. Won't be expected to get much of a look-in at Leeds but will have plenty of options. One year left on his deal. A final loan or a permanent exit to League One or even the Championship await. Photo: George Wood
24. Sam Greenwood
Are we yet sure what he is besides a good set-piece taker? Greenwood is a tidy footballer and he's versatile, which lends itself to being a squad player in the Championship. How it progresses his career is another question but you could probably see him staying put. Photo: STEVE BARDENS