Leeds United have entered the offseason with some pressing issues at the club. They managed to have a successful season on their return to the Premier League.
But now they have to deal with what comes in the second season. Newly-promoted teams have it hard enough trying to avoid relegation in their first campaign, but the second season is even more difficult.
Most teams in the league will be used to your playing style, and you are not a surprise package as a team anymore. And the most important factor is that you have to catch up with the rest of the teams in the league.
Daniel Farke has already made it known that he does want to stay at Elland Road.
However, he has called out the 49ers and asked for them to back him in the market to improve the team for next season.
Leeds United make shocking transfer decision amid contract uncertainty
A few Leeds United players are out of contract at the end of this month, including Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier.
But the immediate issue at hand is the contracts set to expire next year. Daniel Farke’s deal is up to 2027, alongside key players Ethan Ampadu and defender Pascal Struijk.
There is some uncertainty about Struijk’s future, he admitted he was open to leaving the club last year. Leeds even rejected a huge bid from a European club.
If he fails to sign an extension before January, he can join a foreign club for free – something the Whites will want to avoid.
Per The Athletic, Leeds have reportedly shelved any potential move for Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi. He was strongly linked with a move to Elland Road in the January window.
The decision to not pursue the move as of now is baffling, especially as Struijk is yet to put pen to paper.
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49ers have straightforward decisions to make this summer
Before the club even dips into the transfer market, they must resolve the futures of Daniel Farke, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk.
Farke is irreplaceable and has done a great job in charge; to find someone like him in the future will be a difficult task. Ampadu is the club captain and the face of the team, deserves to be rewarded this summer.
When it comes to Struijk, a new deal is a no brainer. Replacing him might cost more than it takes to keep him around; left footed defenders in the league cost a premium in the transfer market.
Leeds have one at a very good age and ability, so there is no reason to not tie him down long-term.
A new contract will raise his value when a team tries to sign him after this summer.
