Leeds United have had some of their targets planned weeks before the transfer market opened. But now, the club is focused on departures before bringing in new faces.
Illan Meslier, Joe Gelhardt, Max Wober, Darko Gyabi and Sam Greenwood are among the names expected to depart this summer. These departures would clear some space, and move salaries off the wage bill. Some player sales will also count as PSR profit.
Newcastle is a club with two major Leeds transfer targets this summer. Callum Wilson has been eyed, but the magpies are currently in talks over a new deal. Sean Longstaff has also been admired by Daniel Farke for a while.
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Leeds United move for Newcastle star could be off
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Longstaff currently has a year left on his deal at St. James’ Park, and last month, Eddie Howe mentioned that any decision on his future lies with the player. The midfielder has gave a mixed answer when speaking on his future at the club:
“Yeah, if it’s here (Newcastle), it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not. I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.”
There could be a complication for Newcastle this summer. Because they have qualified for the Champions League, they need four homegrown players in their squad. Longstaff occupied one of the slots that last time the Magpies went to Europe.
And now with Newcastle missing out on major transfer targets, the 27-year old could stay at the club this summer. Considering how expensive English talent is, the Magpies could keep Longstaff during the campaign.
Huge blow for Leeds
For the rumoured £10million, Leeds United would have gotten a Premier League midfielder with a host of experience. His midfield profile would have been useful too, a dynamic option in the middle of the park who can give you goals. Leeds should hope they can find better alternatives on the market.
