Leeds United need to act fast as the time to make a decision on one key player draws closer.
The club lost a host of players over the past few years as Elland Road saw a mass exodus of players. Aside Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter leaving for huge fees to the Premier League, some players left the club on free transfers.
The likes of Robin Koch, Cody Drameh, Luke Ayling and Ian Poveda left after their contracts expired as they sought new pastures. Next summer, only three players will be out of contract. The club has yet to decide if they will renew their current deals.
Summer 2025 will be a pivotal time for Leeds, as they would either be preparing for the Premier League or retooling for another promotion campaign. The transfer window plans would also have to adjust accordingly.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Leeds United need to sign this rival for the future
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Sam Byram, Josuha Guilavogui and Junior Firpo are the three players whose contracts are set to expire next summer. The players will be free to negotiate with other clubs on January 1st.
Byram has been a great servant for Leeds since his return. Daniel Farke gave him a chance over a year ago, and the defender has not looked back. He has been solid whenever called upon. Josuha Guilavogui only joined on a temporary basis after injury struck Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev and will be expected to depart this summer.
Junior Firpo has refused to comment on his future at the club, and it looks very likely he will leave next summer. The club have reportedly lined up Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin as his long term replacement.
Cirkin is just 22-years old, young and athletic and has similar traits to Firpo with a higher upside. The left back has been one of the most consistent players in the Championship over the past few years. He has the uncanny ability to pop up in and around the box to score goals; Cirkin has netted seven goals in the past two years. He would be a lovely fit in Daniel Farke’s system.
Why should Leeds sign Dennis Cirkin?
The main reason is to fill the void at left back when Firpo departs. Cirkin has many seasons in his legs to go at just 22. His attacking upside is brilliant and will boost any attack at this level.
It would be a difficult move to pull off, with a reported £15million price tag. But the defender is the kind of statement signing Leeds United need to make to put the Championship on high alert.
