Exclusive: Leeds have ‘six players’ good enough to start in next season’s Premier League
Leeds United only plan on strengthening “a few key positions” if promoted with six players seen as Premier League-ready, sources have told Football Insider.
Daniel Farke’s side are back on top of the Championship table after beating Middlesbrough 1-0 in midweek, leading second-placed Burnley on goal difference with just five games remaining this season.
Dan James‘ second-minute winner proved the difference at the Riverside as Leeds had two goals wrongly disallowed for offside, and the Wales winger is one player seen as ready to make the step up.
Leeds’ Premier League place is not assured, but if they do win promotion, additions will be needed to address the growing gap between England’s top two tiers and give Farke’s side a fighting chance.
Leeds set sights on five new first-XIs signings
Leeds aren’t likely to have an easy time in the summer transfer window despite their big-club status, with Mick Brown telling Football Insider that Leeds are one of several clubs keen on signing Aaron Ramsdale.
While strengthening between the sticks is absolutely crucial for the Whites and Farke is hoping he’ll have “decent money” to spend, sources have told Football Insider that Leeds don’t plan a complete overhaul. They believe they have six players already good enough to thrive in the top flight.
Leeds see the nucleus of Farke’s squad as good enough to hold their own in the top-flight, with their right-sided trio of James, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle all having ample Premier League experience.
Former United goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Leeds expect to fend off Everton and sign Manor Solomon permanently; the Tottenham loanee seen as another who is Premier League-ready.
Captain Ethan Ampadu and impressive midfield metronome Ao Tanaka are both more than good enough to help Leeds stay up next term, if promoted, but that still leaves several positions to target this summer.
Leeds must hit the mark in crucial summer transfer window
Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Tanaka, James and Solomon all being strong candidates to start for the Whites in the top-flight leaves five positions to stengthen, with successful additions needed at both ends.
Goalkeeper, left centre-back, left-back, central attacking midfield and centre-forward will all therefore come under the microscope this summer, with Roma’s Tammy Abraham a clear example of the latter.
Sources told Football Insider last month that Leeds are aiming higher than the likes of Josh Sargent from Norwich, and that’ll be music to the ears of fans who want to see them attack the top end of the market.
Signing a player of Raphinha’s quality – now a Ballon D’Or front-runner three years after leaving Elland Road – may be out of the question, but Leeds still have the pulling power to attract some star players.