BOMBSHELL: Leeds take legal Transfer turnaround over Marcel Bielsa Leeds United Prodigy in preparation for Next Season campaign.
Leeds United has officially announced via their website on Friday (7th June) that they have triggered a one-year extension in Sam Byram’s contract. Among the list of players whose contracts have expired, Ian Poveda is one of 11 players who have been released, while the club remains in negotiations with Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton regarding potential new deals at Elland Road.
Despite some believing Poveda still had a future at Leeds, the club has decided against retaining him, allowing the player to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Several Championship clubs, including Sunderland, have been linked with the winger, suggesting he may secure a new club shortly. Although Marcelo Bielsa was an admirer of Poveda and frequently praised him, his time with Leeds United has now come to an end.
Luke Ayling, whose contract was not extended, has already secured a move to Middlesbrough, where he spent the latter part of last season on loan. Other players released include Charlie Allen, Lewis Bate, Keenan Carole, Cuba Diboe, Scott Godden, Harvey Sutcliffe, Dani van den Heuvel, and Morten Spencer. Stuart Dallas, who previously announced his retirement due to injury concerns, also departs the club.
While some of the departures may not come as a surprise to fans, others have received tributes from the club. The focus now shifts to whether Shackleton and/or Cooper will agree to fresh terms or seek new opportunities elsewhere this summer.