Five Leeds United players approaching Elland Road crossroads this summer under Daniel Farke
A pivotal summer awaits for a host of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United first-team
This summer is a big one for Leeds United as they come to terms with having to go through an unwanted second season in the Championship. Promotion will be the Whites' goal once more and Daniel Farke will be doing all he can to ensure Leeds can make the step back up to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
However, the next few months could prove to be absolutely pivotal to a number of players within Farke's ranks, too. While most members of the senior squad know what role they have to play within the manager's plans, several fringe players will be tasked with trying to force their way into the German's thoughts.
Here's five Leeds United players approaching critical junctures over the course of pre-season at Elland Road.
Darko Gyabi
It's fair to say Gyabi failed to grasp the chance Farke handed him last season. The midfielder started Leeds' Carabao Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town but was hooked after 45 minutes after struggling to find a foothold in the contest and the additions of Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev all but ended his hopes of more senior minutes in a Leeds shirt this season.
As such, after spending half the campaign in the Whites' youth ranks, Gyabi joined Plymouth Argyle on loan in January. He caught the eye on the south coast by all accounts and the 10 appearances he made for the Pilgrims will only benefit him moving forward.
Unfortunately his loan at Home Park was brought to a premature end when it became clear that a groin injury would require surgery. Where he's at with his recovery is unclear at this stage, but if he's fit enough, he'll be determined to show Farke what he can do on the training pitch. He has plenty of names ahead of him in the pecking order, of course, but having had a taste of regular football while out on loan, he'll be hungry to build on that with Leeds.
Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell was another to find himself in something of a tricky spot under the German after failing to nail down a spot in his plans. The season started so well for the defender as he marked a new deal by playing an important role over the opening couple of weekends.
Joe Rodon's arrival saw Cresswell drop down the pecking order, though, and the England U21 international failed to get a look in for much of the season, making just seven senior outings in all competitions. At this pivotal stage of his career, he cannot afford to spend another season sat on the bench.
Cresswell needs regular minutes to continue his progression and prevent his career from stalling. Farke's current squad is looking threadbare at the back at present and while defensive reinforcements look set to be a summer priority, the door could be open for him to prove himself over the coming months.
Sonny Perkins
Of all the names on this list, Perkins is probably the one with the most to do in order to win Farke's approval over the summer. The manager questioned Perkins' performances in training during his first few months in the job and after seeing his loan with Oxford United cut short due a lack of game time, Farke admitted the young forward wouldn't be a part of his first-team plans.
Perkins has represented the club's U21s since, but it remains to be seen what future he has under the manager. Given the opportunity, Perkins may well be keen to turn over a new leaf and attempt to take the next step of his career at Elland Road. He could be left to consider his options, though, should first-team opportunities prove hard to come by.
Joe Gelhardt
It was another frustrating season for Gelhardt, who made just 13 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, after slipping even further down the Elland Road pecking order. The 22-year-old was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country a couple of years ago, but he has struggled to showcase such form over the last two campaigns.
Like Cresswell above, Gelhardt can't afford to let next season pan out in a similar way to this one, and he must do all he can to use pre-season as a chance to reset and advance under Farke. Should he fail to give the manager food for thought, though, a loan move might be the best bet for his development given he has three years left to run on his current deal. He found some joy while away with Sunderland in 2023, but the opportunity to spend a full season as a lead man might just give him the confidence boost he needs.
Sam Greenwood
Greenwood clearly has work to do if he is to force his way into Farke's thoughts. The decision to loan him out to Middlesbrough last August was an indication that the manager didn't see him as part of his plans and the purchase option only underlined that.
The 22-year-old made 39 appearances under Carrick but the Teesside club opted against making his loan permanent and as a result, he will return to Thorp Arch for the start of pre-season. Greenwood would have every right to feel as though he can add something to Farke's squad and he has to do everything in his power to make that point over the coming weeks and months.