Leeds United had a fantastic season this year; scoring 95 goals, hitting the 100 point mark and winning the Championship. This summer will be a crucial part of the club’s plans for next season.
Daniel Farke and the recruitment team know that they have to build a squad good enough to survive the English top flight. Club chairman Paraag Marathe has shown he is willing to back the club financially.
One thing Leeds will need to be wary of is losing their best players this summer. Last season, the club lost three of their best players in Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. If teams were interested in Leeds’ players last year, they will surely be interested in signing a few this season.
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Leeds United set to lose first team star
Credit: Imago Images
Some of the club’s players have already been linked with moves away from Elland Road. Illan Meslier could be one of the first names out of the door after losing his place in the team. Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph have also been linked with exits, Real Betis are very keen on signing the 21-year old.
Leeds made the decision to enter talks with Junior Firpo over a new contract. If the left back is to stay at Elland Road, a deal needs to be reached quickly. The 28-year old is attracting serious interest from English clubs, and clubs in Spain. Barcelona and Real Betis are monitoring his situation. According to Rome newspaper Il Tempo, Lazio have joined the race for the left back.
The Serie A side see him as a ‘excellent opportunity’ in the market as a free agent.
Firpo has a big decision to make
Junior Firpo now has a decision to make. Does he stay at Leeds, or move abroad. It is very likely that he leaves and returns to Spain. The prospect of playing in European competitions is more enticing than staying to fight relegation. Even though nothing has been agreed yet, the only way Leeds can convince him to stay is with a good financial package.
