Leeds United club chairman Paraag Marathe strongly hinted that the club will see exits before any significant business is done this summer. The Whites will be eager to strengthen the team ahead of next season, but there will be obstacles.
The new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules means that there is a cap on how much a team can spend on players.
Seeing how the club splashed over £100 million last summer, there will be a limited amount of funds going forward. Leeds have already ticked off some important business by extending Ethan Ampadu’s contract.
And per the latest reports out of Elland Road, Daniel Farke might be next after talks progressed between the Leeds boss and the 49ers.
Leeds United star tipped for shock summer exit
Since Leeds United will definitely have to sell before they buy, the topic of who will be first off the list will be discussed.
The Whites had a handful of players leave on temporary deals in the last summer window. Largie Ramazani, Mateo Joseph, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt will all return to Elland Road this summer.
One player who could leave is Pascal Struijk; there is no immediate news concerning his future as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Adam Pope, Jonny Buchan and Simon Rix discussed the idea on the Don’t Go To Bed Yet podcast.
“Retaining players is really important. But could this be the summer where they sell someone for a lot of money? That might be a few fringe players, such as Wilfried Gnonto. I think Strujk has become even more pivotal. I’d be delighted if they tied him down,” said Pope.
“I can’t see him staying. If they’re talking about how tight they are on the money, and the situation they find themselves in, he is profit. He would go for what will be deemed as all profit.
“However sad that is, if that’s the reality, he might want to go get European football now. If the club are looking for a little bit of wiggle room, then he is key to that isn’t he?”
READ MORE: Leeds United exit confirmed as Champions League club push for deal
This explains latest transfer plan
Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande has sparked a lot of discussion around Elland Road.
Portuguese media believe that he is high on Leeds’ list of summer targets, with some claiming that the 49ers are ready to launch a club record bid to try and sign him this summer.
If Pascal Struijk is close to an exit, like it is being rumoured, then the transfer plan makes a lot of sense.
Losing one key defender will be a blow for Daniel Farke’s side, but at least they are planning with alternatives in mind. It will be a very busy summer window in West Yorkshire ahead of August.
