This past week has seen Leeds United lose over five players this summer. The start of July meant contracts and loan deals expired.
Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon’s loan deals ended, and both players returned to their parent clubs. Rothwell has recently completed a move to Rangers, who are now under the 49ers Enterprises.
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Junior Firpo’s contract with the club officially came to an end. The left back failed to sign a new deal, and has left the club as a free agent. Leeds tried the whole of last month to tie him down to a new deal, and even offered him a new contract. But Firpo has already chosen to leave, with reports that he is headed back to Spain.
Max Wober is the first transfer exit of this summer window, as he joined Werder Bremen on loan with an option to buy.
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Leeds United star close to signing new deal
Source: Imago Images
Junior Firpo is not the on Leeds player whose contract expired at the start of the month. Sam Byram also had his deal expire. After Leeds won the Championship, he openly admitted that he would be happy to stay at the club:
“…I’ve not hidden my love for the club and I’d love to stay next year. They know that.
“Now we’ve achieved the final target, I’m sure they’ll speak as a team, investors, everyone, and make a plan for the future. Hopefully, I’m part of that, and, if not, I’ll watch on and always be a supporter.”
Now, according to YEP, Byram is set to get his wish. The 31-year old is set to sign a new one year deal to stay at Elland Road.
Byram provides Premier League boost
One big thing about Byram returning is how he helps Leeds United in the Premier League. The defender counts as a home grown player, and will help the club fill one of the eight home grown spots in the 25-man squad for next season.
Leeds now do not have to spend money on a player to fill that spot.
Fullback spot still needs reinforcements
With Byram returning, the club still needs reinforcements in the fullback position. Currently, Jayden Bogle, Isaac Schmidt and Byram are the first team options available.
Credit: DataMB
Hopefully the arrival of Gabriel Gudmundsson makes things easier. The Swedish international will fill in at left back, with Schmidt as his back up, while Byram will provide support for Bogle.
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