Thirteen players have departed the Whites since the club’s relegation from the Premier League and the biggest exit yet was confirmed on Thursday as last season’s top scorer Rodrigo completed a move to Qatar side Al-Rayyan.
The following day, Danish international right back Rasmsus Kristensen sealed a season-long loan switch to AS Roma, following Diego Llorente out of Leeds to join Jose Mourinho’s side.
Brenden Aaronson had already sealed a loan move to Union Berlin, joining Robin Koch in next season’s Bundesliga upon Koch’s switch to Eintracht Frankfurt. All five players have been part of recent Leeds starting XIs, a comment which also applies to both Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles who were released upon their contracts expiring this summer but invited back for pre-season training.
Tyler Roberts has also joined Birmingham City whilst Alfie McCalmont has sealed a switch to Carlisle United. Youngsters Stuart McKninstry, Ben Andreucci, Will Brook and Jay Buchan were all released.
More departures are expected to follow along with new recruits but here is our idea of the current new strongest Leeds XI as things stands ahead of the new Championship campaign.
7. CM - Darko Gyabi
A tough one and Marc Roca would probably be the answer but he's on the verge of joining Real Betis. The returning Jamie Shackleton, Sam Greenwood would be leading options, backed up by the exciting potential of Archie Gray and also Lewis Bate, but Leeds paid decent money for the promise of Gyabi and now could be his time to fulfil it. Photo: Warren Little
8. RW - Jack Harrison
Another player whom there will surely be interest in this summer and one who almost joined Leicester City for £20m in the January transfer window. But Harrison is still Leeds' player and would surely start from those available at Elland Road. Photo: STEVE BARDENS
9. LW - Luis Sinisterra
The Colombian international winger's season was regularly disrupted by injuries last term and an ankle issue forced him to miss the relegation battle run-in. Whether he remains at Elland Road remains to be seen but he showed glimpses of just how dangerous a Sinisterra in the Championship would be in Wednesday's friendly against Manchester United and would clearly start if staying. The returning Dan James is probably the next cab off the rank out wide with Crysencio Summerville another leading option if staying. Photo: Matthew Peters
10. ST - Willy Gnonto
Another near the very top of the list when it comes to players the club would hope to keep although interest is inevitable. Quite what Gnonto's best position is remains open to debate but there's no debate about the fact that he's a definite starter of what is currently available at Elland Road. Photo: George Wood
11. ST - Patrick Bamford
Former first port of call Rodrigo has moved on and it would now be a choice of either record signing Rutter or Patrick Bamford for the no 9 role, albeit they could play as a two. The returning Joe Gelhardt is the other leading option, followed by youngsters such as Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins. Rutter looked to have a spring in his step starting upfront against the Red Devils but Bamford has a proven track record of leading the Whites line when injury free and is probably in pole position. Photo: OLI SCARFF