Leeds United will have to compete with other Premier League clubs for the same players when the summer window comes around. Newly promoted clubs often have a limited pool of players to try and sign.
Unless they get creative and sign players from outside England. Southampton and Ipswich Town recruited heavily from the Premier League and Championship. Ultimately, it was not enough as both teams were relegated. Leeds will be wary of this heading into next season.
Club chairman Paraag Marathe promised fans that he will help the team maintain their top flight status. This includes backing the team financially this summer. Reports claim Leeds will have around £150million to spend when the window opens.
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Leeds United eye free agent star
Credit: Imago Images
Despite the huge budget, the club will need to check their spending. PSR sanctions will continue into next season, and Leeds’ financial losses last year will be one to keep an eye on. Fortunately some contracts will come off the books this summer when some player deals expire.
Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui will be out of contract next month. The club have not made their plans for the trio clear, so everyone assumes all three will leave Elland Road.
Byram and Firpo gone will leave Jayden Bogle and Isaac Schmidt as the only senior fullback options. This squad situation may play a part in the Whites’ latest transfer target. Graeme Bailey revealed that Leeds have made contact with Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters:
“I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.” he said to Leeds United news.
Walker-Peters is set to leave Southampton when his current deal expires this summer. Leeds are among a long list of clubs interested.
Walker-Peters fills two needs for Leeds
The 28-year old primarily plays at right back, but he has shown versatility throughout his career and can play on the left too. This season in the Premier League, the defender started some games as the left wing back for the Saints.
Credit: Transfermarkt
This could come in handy for Leeds United. Walker-Peters could fill two roles especially with the pending departures of Firpo and Byram. Signing him on a free would be quality business.
