INCREDIBLE: Proposed Leeds United XI with fresh arrivals and loan returnee as Daniel Farke masterplan ahead of Next season HEAT up.
Leeds United revealed their list of retained players for the upcoming 2024-25 Championship season late on Friday, confirming the departures of 11 players while exercising a one-year extension option on full-back Sam Byram’s contract. Negotiations are also underway to extend the contracts of Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton.
Notable departures upon the expiration of their contracts include Luke Ayling, who has already signed a two-year deal with Middlesbrough, and Stuart Dallas, who announced his retirement in April due to a femoral fracture injury. Ian Poveda and Lewis Bate are also set to be released, while last season’s loan acquisitions Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, and Jaidon Anthony will return to their parent clubs.
However, several loaned-out players are expected to return to the club. Considering the full squad available to manager Daniel Farke, we can speculate on the strongest possible starting XI and bench, although further departures are anticipated this summer.
1. Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (Confirmed as the first-choice goalkeeper)
2. Right-back: Archie Gray (While Sam Byram and Rasmus Kristensen are also options, Gray stands out as the top choice despite his natural midfield position)
3. Centre-back: Pascal Struijk (With Rodon’s return to Tottenham, Struijk is currently the preferred choice)
4. Centre-back: Max Wober (Although his future may lie elsewhere after being loaned out last season, the Austrian international could feature in either centre-back or left-back positions)
5. Left-back: Junior Firpo (As the only natural left-back, Firpo is the automatic selection, although Wober, Byram, and Gray could provide alternative options)
6. Central midfielder: Ethan Ampadu (A vital inclusion in the starting XI, even with the return of loaned players, Ampadu may feature in midfield or possibly as a centre-back)