Leeds United currently look as likely as ever to achieve Championship promotion at the first time of asking, with last weekend's 2-0 win against Millwall sending them top for the first time this season. Daniel Farke's men have enjoyed an outstanding 2024, with 12 wins from a 13-game unbeaten run allowing them to claw back 17 points on Leicester City.
Farke and his players will understandably remain focused on the short-term, with all eyes on next Friday's trip to Watford. But there comes a point at which those above the German will have to at least start planning for a return to the top-flight.
49ers Enterprises will be expected to back Farke financially if promotion is achieved but while big-money arrivals are needed, as important to short-term survival could be the more shrewd business done. A huge number of experienced top-flight players look set to become free agents this summer and so can be snapped up for nothing, leaving more money for those marquee arrivals.
Below, the YEP has taken a brief look at 20 players who, according to Transfermarkt, will be available for free this summer. How many would you take at Leeds?

7. Joel Matip - Liverpool
Out for the season with a serious knee injury but has been a great servant for eight years at Anfield. Wages could be a problem. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images

8. Ben Johnson - West Ham
A known Leeds target last summer but has just two Premier League appearances to his name. Right-back reinforcements will be needed. | Getty Images

9. Vladimir Coufal - West Ham
The more experienced of West Ham's right-backs. Has been brilliant since joining from Slavia Prague and has plenty of Premier League and European football under his belt. | Getty Images

10. Will Hughes - Crystal Palace
Another liked by Hodgson and steady when called upon. Still only 28 so has years left in him yet and more than 100 Premier League appearances for Palace and Watford. | Getty Images

11. Ola Aina - Nottingham Forest
Full-back has played Premier League football for Chelsea, Hull City, Fulham and Nottingham Forest. Also played for Torino in Serie A. | Getty Images

12. Anthony Martial - Manchester United
Plagued by injury for much of his nine years at Manchester United but still an elite finisher when available. 63 goals in 209 Premier League appearances. | AFP via Getty Images


