Despite the feeling of disappointment around Leeds United over the past few weeks, hope of an instant return to the Premier League is by no means over. Defeat at home to Southampton last weekend consigned Daniel Farke’s side to third-place but as few as two wins from three could see them promoted via the play-offs.
If Leeds are to go up, then 49ers Enterprises will want to avoid any risk of repeating the previous ownership’s mistakes in the transfer market and Farke will need backing. There is a young and exciting squad already but multiple positions need to be strengthened if the club are to cement themselves in the top-flight.
Leeds look set for a busy summer regardless of what league they are in but building a squad post-promotion would be particularly exciting. With that in mind, the YEP has taken a look at how a dream summer window might play out with regards to first-team talent.
Leeds look set for a busy summer regardless of what league they are in but building a squad post-promotion would be particularly exciting. With that in mind, the YEP has taken a look at how a dream summer window might play out with regards to first-team talent.
![Recent reports suggest a £4.3m obligation to buy has been activated based on appearances. An exit that would benefit all parties.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/11/58/GettyImages-2147805739.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. Diego Llorente - sold
Recent reports suggest a £4.3m obligation to buy has been activated based on appearances. An exit that would benefit all parties. | Getty Images
![Made no secret of his desire to stay in Spain and has impressed at Real Betis. Leeds could even make profit on £10m they spent back in 2022.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/11/58/GettyImages-1748481701.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. Marc Roca - sold
Made no secret of his desire to stay in Spain and has impressed at Real Betis. Leeds could even make profit on £10m they spent back in 2022. | Getty Images
![As with Shackleton, in need of regular football that simply hasn't come at Leeds this season. Defensive reinforcements will only worsen the situation and so could be worth cashing in, as any money would be pure profit for an academy graduate.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/11/06/GettyImages-1604060129%20%282%29.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Charlie Cresswell - sold
As with Shackleton, in need of regular football that simply hasn't come at Leeds this season. Defensive reinforcements will only worsen the situation and so could be worth cashing in, as any money would be pure profit for an academy graduate. | Getty Images
![Stuttering start on loan at Union Berlin but has improved in recent weeks. Still some way off fulfilling his £25m price-tag and only 23, so another loan could help him develop and give Leeds more time to make a decision.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/11/44/GettyImages-2150550653.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Brenden Aaronson - loan
Stuttering start on loan at Union Berlin but has improved in recent weeks. Still some way off fulfilling his £25m price-tag and only 23, so another loan could help him develop and give Leeds more time to make a decision. | Getty Images
![Unlikely to get many minutes back in the Premier League but no need to rush a permanent exit.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/13/10/GettyImages-1604054992.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
11. Joe Gelhardt -loan
Unlikely to get many minutes back in the Premier League but no need to rush a permanent exit. | Getty Images
![Widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best back-up goalkeepers and has been excellent when called upon by Liverpool. Reportedly open to leaving in search of first-team football and would be a good addition to any top-flight side.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/11/11/35/GettyImages-2140433692.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
12. Caoimhin Kelleher - buy
Widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best back-up goalkeepers and has been excellent when called upon by Liverpool. Reportedly open to leaving in search of first-team football and would be a good addition to any top-flight side. | Getty Images