An exodus was to be expected – dropping into the second tier all-but guaranteed the exits of some high profile players - and yet there was still room for surprises in terms of players who stayed to defy expectation and those who suddenly couldn’t wait to get out of Elland Road.
Leeds went into the summer quite prepared to say goodbye to some of those who did leave the club, although it wasn’t immediately clear just how many had relegation exit clauses that would facilitate loans or indeed how many would activate them. They also set their stall out to retain a number of players highlighted by 49ers Enterprises as key to the promotion charge. Max Wober, Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison were among those Leeds desperately wanted to keep at Elland Road, believing retention to be just as key as incoming recruitment in some cases.
By the time the window shut last week, however, Wober, Adams and Harrison were long gone. Remaining were a small number of players who had been expected to go. Although the madness was not over with until deadline day itself, the recruitment Leeds got over the line helped to turn the summer narrative around from one of bitter negativity to relative contentment, albeit with left-back and number 10 wishes going unfulfilled. Daniel Farke’s squad now has a solid look to it. The German says he is pretty happy with how it has turned out and ultimately Leeds have rid themselves of individuals who had no desire to stay and fight, or even right the wrong for which they were partly responsible.
Prior to Farke’s appointment the YEP published predictions on how the squad rebuild would go, in terms of retention and exits, and here’s how we got on.

31. Georginio Rutter
We felt he could be an asset in the second tier, if he was happy to stay and did not push for an exit. There were offers but Rutter made no attempt to leave. He's now a big part of Farke's plan Photo: Jess Hornby

32. Helder Costa
We predicted an exit that hasn't happened yet but it will. He's on international duty today, on Saudi transfer deadline day, but if a move doesn't happen he and Leeds will come to terms on a severance deal. Photo: Alex Caparros

33. Ian Poveda
One to take a look at in pre-season we suggested, adding the caveat that he would have to justify his wage. He stayed put and did actually look decent in pre-season. He'll be an option off the bench for Farke. Needs consistency. Photo: George Wood

34. Luis Sinisterra
What we said was: 'Hard to see the Colombian international being willing to spend a year in the Championship.' He wasn't willing. Sinisterra was the sting in the tail, making a move that happened late on deadline day. Another loan, of course. Photo: Alex Caparros

35. Tyler Roberts
Needed to move on to kick-start his career, we suggested, and he saw it that way too. Went to Birmingham City in one of the first bits of summer transfer business. Injury has since hampered his start to the season. Photo: Pete Norton

36. Mateo Joseph
Easy to predict because of his potential. Stayed, as we thought he would, and will be in Farke's plans. Injury has hampered him so far but when fit he'll be an option off the bench. Photo: George Wood

