Leeds United are still to ensure promotion to the Premier League and there are twists and turns left in the ongoing Championship season. However, their form and consistency have led to pre-mature talk of Leeds playing in the Premier League next season and what they would need to do over the summer to have a squad good enough to survive the rigours of top-flight football. The Whites are aware that they would need to level up massively if they have to stay in the Premier League for more than a season. Their recruitment team are already looking at options but there are players in the squad who could still have a big role to play if they go up.
The Whites sit at the summit of the Championship table and are looking more and more likely to get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season.
There is now a gradual shift towards conversations over what Leeds United would need to do in the summer to strengthen the squad and increase the quality of their options by several manifolds.
Leeds have also been linked with players and some are openly talking about the prospect of arriving at Elland Road in the summer if the club go up to the top flight.
However, Leeds would also have to make decisions over several players in the squad who have played a key role in getting them to this position this season.
Joe Rothwell has been a big player for Leeds this term but there are question marks over whether Leeds should try to sign him on a permanent deal given he has never proved himself in the top flight.
Leeds United are open to signing Rothwell but no talks have been held with Bournemouth
Rothwell joined Leeds from Bournemouth on loan last season and the 30-year-old has played a key role in taking the Whites to the summit of the Championship table.
The calm and composure he has shown in possession has led to Leeds fans terming him ‘Championship Pirlo’ and his presence in the middle of the park has been vital.
Daniel Farke is open to signing him on a permanent deal and Bournemouth are said to be prepared to sell the player in the summer for a fee of £7.5m.
Leeds are considering signing him and journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that the Cherries could agree to sell him at a lesser fee in the next window.
However, Leeds are only expected to hold talks with Bournemouth at the end of the season if they decide to try and sign Rothwell on a permanent deal.
“They are open to the idea”, Bailey told LeedsUnited.News.
“What I got back from Bournemouth, [Is around] that ballpark but possibly even less would get him.
“There is an interest there but both clubs will talk at the end of the season, nothing has happened yet.”
Leeds do not have to decide on Rothwell now
Farke and his players are focused on getting the job done in the Championship this season and ensuring promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.
I am sure conversations are taking place behind the scenes and transfer plans are taking shape for the upcoming window but Leeds have no cause to hurry.
Rothwell has been a solid player for Leeds this season but there are legitimate question marks over whether he is good enough to play in a Premier League midfield.
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There is a reason Bournemouth agreed to loan him out last summer and the harsh reality could be while he looks brilliant in the Championship, the Premier League would be a step too far.
Farke and his team will make assessments but no decision is needed at the moment and Leeds can afford to take more time to decide on whether they want Rothwell on a permanent deal.
Bournemouth are, of course, keen to sell him but Leeds must think long and hard as they cannot afford to waste money next summer if they get promoted.
