Leeds United are completely focused on preserving their Premier League status after Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra gave them what felt like an essential win against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
The roar that enveloped Elland Road at full-time felt like a mixture of relief and delight as Javi Gracia’s side moved up to 13th place in the Premier League table with a narrow win against Steve Cooper’s men. Despite the win, Leeds remain just two points above the relegation zone as a tense end to a challenging season continues.
Gracia was brought in on a ‘flexible contract’ when he replaced Jesse Marsch earlier this season and could be handed the chance to oversee his first transfer window in charge if he is successful in keeping the Whites in the top tier between now and the end of the season.
With that in mind, the YEP fires up the latest edition of the world’s most popular managerial simulation as Football Manager 2023 predicts the surprise moves Gracia could make during his first transfer window at Elland Road.
1. Javi Gracia’s first transfer window as Leeds United manager as predicted by Football Manager 2023
Photo: Alex Livesey
2. OUT: Helder Costa
The tricky winger joined Saudi side Al-Ittihad on a £2.6m deal after a loan spell at the same club. | AFP via Getty Images
3. OUT: Joel Robles
The Spanish keeper joined Scottish giants Rangers on a free transfer. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. OUT: Jamie Shackleton
A surprise move for the academy product after he completed a £3m switch to Portuguese giants Porto. Photo: Victoria Jones
5. OUT: Liam Cooper
Another player to move to the continent as defender Cooper heads to French club Strasbourg in a £2.5m deal. Photo: Stu Forster
6. OUT: Rasmus Kristensen
A surprise departure as Kristensen agrees to a season-long loan deal with La Liga side Almeria. Photo: Shaun Botterill