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.
25. Archie Gray
Injuries, illness and the club's relegation scrap robbed him of a senior breakthrough but in the Championship it's inevitable that he finally gets first team minutes. A player Leeds remain very excited about, with good reason. Photo: Warren Little
26. Brenden Aaronson
The Athletic have reported the relegation release clause in the youngster's contract and after a pretty miserable first season of English football an exit appears best for him, especially if it lands Leeds at least a chunk of the money they shelled out for him. Didn't cut it, physically, in the top flight. Photo: OLI SCARFF
27. Crysencio Summerville
There's a pretty good chance he'll be off, seeking his fortune elsewhere. Would command a decent fee, given his potential and some of his Premier League contributions last season. It's a shame in a way because he could tear up the Championship, but remaining just doesn't feel likely. Photo: BEN STANSALL
28. Willy Gnonto
Leeds will want to keep him, they will try to keep him but by now the world knows that he's Premier League ready. Which means he's Serie A ready. You can expect bids and if his ambition lies outside the Championship then this could be a big sale but a sad one to see. Photo: Stu Forster
29. Daniel James
Spent a year away on loan because he wasn't in Jesse Marsch's plans. Expect him to come back and fight for a place in the team in the Championship. His pace will be an asset, and as long as end product follows he will be an asset. Photo: Matt McNulty
30. Joe Gelhardt
The youngster's loan at Sunderland did not go exactly to plan, he wasn't in the perfect role or system at times, but he's evidently still got a lot of potential. Leeds will seek to keep and use him next season given his experience for one so young. Photo: George Wood