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.
31. Jack Harrison
Five goals and seven assists in the Premier League mark him out as a player who will attract interest and good money. His tears on Sunday felt poignant and his ambition should be the top flight. Given he was almost sold in January, no one would blame him for seeking an instant Premier League return. Photo: Gareth Copley
32. Helder Costa
Two consecutive seasons out on loan yet, quite incredibly, still a Leeds player for another year. Has two Championship promotions already but how much desire there will be from either party to rekindle the relationship is questionable. His 'superagent' representative will ensure he gets a move if he wants one. Photo: JOSE JORDAN
33. Georginio Rutter
What a few months it has been for the youngster, a terrible few months undoubtedly. He's still a high potential player so if Leeds can convince him that happier times lay ahead, he could be a big asset in the Championship in the right role and system. If not, a loan to allow him to rediscover form and price tag would seem sensible. Photo: Stu Forster
34. Ian Poveda
Found some joy out on loan with Blackpool but Leeds might take some convincing to try him again. A wage that would really need justifying. There's a year left on his deal. One to look at in pre-season perhaps unless an offer comes in or another good loan option. Is never shy of MLS interest. Photo: Cameron Smith
35. Luis Sinisterra
His injury record robbed Leeds of his services too often but when he played we saw match-winning talent at top flight level. Hard to see the Colombian international being willing to spend a year in the Championship. Will bring in decent money if sold, which feels very possible. Photo: OLI SCARFF
36. Tyler Roberts
Yet another season of injury issues meant the QPR loan did not turn into a permanent move. Might be considered a squad player but probably needs to move on now to kick start his career again elsewhere. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos