The Whites are expected to be busy in the window, just not as busy as they were last summer when there was a mass exodus to deal with and a lot to do in terms of replacement. This summer is far likely to see continuity reign, with Daniel Farke content with the nucleus of his squad and looking to simply add strength where needed. There will however be a job to do when it comes to replacing stars because Leeds have made no secret of the need to sell at least one prize asset this summer. Chairman Paraag Marathe said as much just two days after the season ended in Wembley heartbreak. Player trading is to be expected, in both directions, but Leeds must take steps to ensure they stay on the right side of EFL financial regulations.
On Friday afternoon Leeds confirmed the sale of Marc Roca to Real Betis for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £4m. Jack Harrison’s second loan to Everton is done and dusted. Sonny Perkins is off to Leyton Orient for the season. But there is other outgoing loan business to attend to in the form of players like Max Wober who are unlikely to receive a warm welcome at Elland Road having fled the club last summer.
With pre-season starting again next week at Thorp Arch, where a number of Farke’s men will report back to begin testing and training, there is plenty to be done. Regardless of how prepared the Whites were for the window, the business of getting deals over the line is yet to be completed. The only new face confirmed for pre-season is Brenden Aaronson, back from his loan with Union Berlin, and even he will report back late due to his Copa America involvement. There are two out of contract players with whom talks need to conclude, if Leeds is to remain their home, players to sign, a sale or two to be made, replacements to be found and undoubtedly interest to be fended off. 49ers Enterprises’ general stance of only talking when there is something to say extends to transfers and for a second summer running they’re keeping things quiet on that front. Here’s what we know, what we make of what’s being said elsewhere so far, what you can laugh off and what we could see.
13. Archie Gray - wanted
It was always going to be the case that Premier League clubs would explore this one and Leeds have been made aware of interest already this summer. Though another year in the Championship would do him no harm and his stock would only rise, if the bidding starts it's almost impossible to see Leeds being able to hold out. Initial YEP optimism over his retention has faded. But you can laugh off Bild suggestions of Dortmund valuing him at as little as £25m. Come on. | Getty Images
14. Illan Meslier - nothing yet
Illan Meslier is wanted by Marseille according to reports in France but that came as news to Leeds sources on Thursday night. The link doesn't make a huge deal of sense given Roberto De Zerbi's desire for keepers to play such a huge part in his possession game. Meslier has struggled with his kicking for some time. Nothing doing here, right now. | Getty Images
15. Willy Gnonto - all quiet so far
There's no real noise around Gnonto or any exit but it's early days, the Euros have ensured the window has not started with a bang and we could still see the Italian international making his way to a top flight club. If Summerville goes Gnonto will have two choices, become a main man at Leeds or follow him out the door. Has he learned the lessons of last summer? We'll see | Getty Images
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
16. Crysencio Summerville - wanted
Brighton like him and so too do lots of other clubs. But no one has played their hand yet so everything remains at the interest stage. From a Leeds point of view, if you're resigned to a sale then sooner would be better than later. Replacing his goals and assists will be absolutely vital. | Getty Images
17. Alfie Gilchrist - not yet
Leeds are thought to be among his admirers but there is no imminent move in the works right now. That's not to say they won't go after this one but loans do often tend to get pushed a bit later in the window. He won't be short of offers but outside the Premier League it'd be difficult to find a better option than Elland Road. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
18. Callum O'Hare - one to watch
A player whose links to Leeds are obvious. He's a 10, he had a good season in the Championship and showed tremendous ability as well as the kind of work ethic Daniel Farke would demand. It's all quiet on this front right now, nothing imminent and in any case as a free agent he'll be an attractive option for a few clubs - maybe even lower half Premier League outfits out for a bargain. | Getty Images