An exodus was to be expected – dropping into the second tier all-but guaranteed the exits of some high profile players - and yet there was still room for surprises in terms of players who stayed to defy expectation and those who suddenly couldn’t wait to get out of Elland Road.
Leeds went into the summer quite prepared to say goodbye to some of those who did leave the club, although it wasn’t immediately clear just how many had relegation exit clauses that would facilitate loans or indeed how many would activate them. They also set their stall out to retain a number of players highlighted by 49ers Enterprises as key to the promotion charge. Max Wober, Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison were among those Leeds desperately wanted to keep at Elland Road, believing retention to be just as key as incoming recruitment in some cases.
By the time the window shut last week, however, Wober, Adams and Harrison were long gone. Remaining were a small number of players who had been expected to go. Although the madness was not over with until deadline day itself, the recruitment Leeds got over the line helped to turn the summer narrative around from one of bitter negativity to relative contentment, albeit with left-back and number 10 wishes going unfulfilled. Daniel Farke’s squad now has a solid look to it. The German says he is pretty happy with how it has turned out and ultimately Leeds have rid themselves of individuals who had no desire to stay and fight, or even right the wrong for which they were partly responsible.
Prior to Farke’s appointment the YEP published predictions on how the squad rebuild would go, in terms of retention and exits, and here’s how we got on.
1. Illan Meslier
We predicted his departure in a permanent move, because he was one who would have generated profit and there had been noises about an exit. It never materialised, serious buyers did not come forward and he stayed put. A surprising one. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
2. Kristoffer Klaesson
We predicted an exit because football has not been forthcoming. There was some noise around the possibility of a foreign loan but it didn't happen and he stayed put as the number three. Photo: Alex Caparros
3. Joel Robles
The likeliest of all three goalkeepers to stay, we said. But later, post-Farke arrival, when Leeds offered only an opportunity to train and try win a contract in pre-season, his exit became inevitable. Joined Saudi First Division League club Al-Qadsiah. Photo: Stu Forster
4. Luke Ayling
Never in doubt. We said he'd stay because he was always going to. We added that him being number one at right-back was the only area of doubt. Djed Spence's arrival confirms Ayling has a fight on his hands. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
5. Rasmus Kristensen
We felt Leeds would sell, if he showed any inclination to leave. The early signs suggested he wanted to stay, despite a torrid season. Had Leeds been able to recoup their outlay they'd have sold, but his loan clause and desire to leave dictated in the end. Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
6. Cody Drameh
We said an exit was likely due to the messy management of his pathway at Leeds. The situation did not clear up, instead getting more complicated and so off he went on a loan that will end his time at Elland Road. The one who got away? Time will tell. Photo: Ash Donelon