Leeds United are still looking to offload as many as 10 players this summer to help free up funds and some much-needed space in their squad for new arrivals, a respected source has revealed – with Jack Harrison likely to be the headline name out the door after a big reveal on his future by a pundit.
The Whites have so far made four new signings this summer as they gear up for the challenge of staying in the Premier League, with Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bournauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson all signing on the dotted line. Despite those new arrivals, the feeling among Leeds fans is that much more is needed at Elland Road if the club are to give themselves a fighting chance of avoiding an instant return to the second tier.
And with a new striker, a goalkeeper, and a number 10 all on their wishlist – not to mention Farke’s wish to add more experience to his midfield – the Whites now face a race against time to get those signings in place before their season kicks off at home to Everton on Monday August 18; now just 35 days away.
While Leeds have so far only spent £30m of their estimated £100m summer budget, Farke and Co are now looking to raise some crucial additional capital by allowing a number of unwanted players and fringe stars to leave.
And according to The Athletic, Leeds are ready to move on as many as 10 players in the coming days and weeks – with unwanted winger Harrison and goalkeeper Illan Meslier the headline names.
In addition, Darko Gyabi, Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt – who all spent time away on loan from Elland Road last season – have all been told they will not feature in the Premier League should they remain on the club’s books this summer, while young talents Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers will be made available for loan deals down the football ladder to try and build up their experience.
Furthermore, Leeds are also open to departures of other first-team squad figures, with offers to be listened to for all of Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph and Isaac Schmidt.
Journalist Beren Cross explains: “Should Leeds add further recruits, as is expected, at those players’ positions, they may be tempted to look elsewhere for more minutes.”