This summer Leeds United will be aiming for a clear out in order to bring in more depth should they earn promotion to the Premier League.
There are always a few hidden gems in the free transfer market, and while the club is set to avoid any FFP and PSR troubles, it would still be prudent to take a look.
Here are five options Leeds United could bring in on a free.
Kenny Tete
Kenny Tete. Credit: Imago Images
The Dutch full-back is out of contract with Premier League club Fulham this summer and Leeds may be in desperate need for more cover at right-back in time for the new season.
Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Jamie Shackleton, Sam Byram and on loan Connor Roberts are all set to leave the club at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old is an athletic defender who is physically capable of competing with modern Premier League wingers. Not only has he made 86 top-flight appearances for Fulham, but he also has European experience having played in Ligue 1 for Lyon and Ajax in the Eredivisie.
Tete has represented his country on 14 occasions so he has shown that he can perform on the international stage as well.
Callum O’Hare
Callum O’Hare. Credit: Imago Images
The Coventry City attacking midfielder, O’Hare, will be available on a free soon after falling out of favour at his current club.
However, he could still be a useful acquisition for Leeds because he is known for thriving in transition and has scored 14 times for Coventry since joining from his boyhood club, Aston Villa, back in 2020.
The 25-year-old would also be a good signing particularly if they fail to achieve promotion with Summerville and Rutter unlikely to want to have another season in the Championship.
This would open the door for them to offer O’Hare a better contract.
Josh Brownhill
Josh Brownhill. Credit: Imago Images
The 28-year-old would give Leeds plenty of experience in the centre of the park, but he would also offer something no current Leeds United midfielders have, a threat going forward.
His playing style would fit in perfectly with Farke’s direct style of play and he already has experience in battling for Premier League survival with Burnley which may prove to be vital if Leeds do snap him up on a free.
Burnley still have the option of extending his contract for another year and he has impressed for them this season so manager Vincent Kompany will be hoping to fend off any interest from similar standard clubs.
Ola Aina
Ola Aina. Credit: Imago Images
Aina would be another great addition for Leeds United. With the ability to play on either flank, his versatility could prove to be a huge asset.
The 27-year-old started out in Chelsea’s academy and worked his way into the first team but struggled to make an impact before being shipped out on loan to a few lower-league clubs,
After a brief spell with Italian side Torino, Aina returned to England with Nottingham Forest where he has played a handful of games this season.
Aina has represented England’s youth teams from the u16s all the way up to the u20s before making the switch to Nigeria, where he has gone to make 40 appearances.
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson. Credit: Imago Images
Another full-back who Leeds are after, Johnson, could be a decent proposition. The 24-year-old has already played 68 times in the top flight.
He is willing to run down his contract with West Ham and wants to remain in the Premier League, so someone like Leeds could be an ideal club to join for game time if they manage to get promoted.
He may not set the world alight, but nevertheless, he will still be a sensible option and provide Leeds with more depth in defence.
