Brenden Aaronson has likely played his last match for Leeds United
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Sat 12 July 2025 17:40, UK
Leeds United need to drastically overhaul their squad if they want to stay in the Premier League.
Leeds’ transfer window up to this point has left the majority of supporters underwhelmed, with a lack of significant quality brought in at Elland Road.
Whilst the signings of Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lukas Nmecha have provided valuable depth to Daniel Farke’s squad, they are not the calibre of players to keep the Whites in the Premier League.
Jaka Bijol is the type of signing United should be looking to replicate, as it instantly improves their starting XI.
But, it is not only incomings that they should be focused on, as MOT Leeds News have highlighted three players Leeds should sell this summer.
Jaka Bijol
Bijol is an exciting addition for Leeds supporters (Credit: Imago)
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Brenden Aaronson to be shipped off
It may sound brutal, but if players of Aaronson’s calibre are featuring for Leeds regularly in the Premier League, then their chance of avoiding relegation is minimal.
The American midfielder was nothing short of abysmal last time Leeds were in the top flight, and even disappointed at Championship level for the majority of last season after a promising start.
Brenden Aaronson Stats (Premier League 2022/23)
Appearences 36
Goals 1
Assists 3
Aaronson was lacklustre as Leeds were relegated.
If Farke changes his system to no longer accommodate a number ten due to the Whites likely being on the back foot in most games, then Aaronson will be even more surplus to requirements.
With Leeds spending around £25million on the 24-year-old back in 2022, it is unlikely they will recoup anywhere near that amount, meaning a sale could be detrimental to the club’s PSR.
However, if Leeds could facilitate a loan move away with an obligation to buy, this could suit them better.
Illan Meslier to be shown the door
Meslier blew United supporters away when he made his debut in January 2020 against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
However, since then, the 25-year-old shot stopper’s stock in West Yorkshire has plummeted after multiple disappointing seasons.
Last campaign seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, with the Frenchman being dropped for Karl Darlow at the backend of the season after a truly disastrous run of form.
With the Whites being linked to the likes of Milinkovic-Savic, Meslier’s days at Elland Road look numbered, and funds from his sale could be reinvested into the squad.
Illan Meslier Leeds United
Meslier endured a tough season (Credit: Imago)
Patrick Bamford should make an emotional exit
If Leeds want to stay in the Premier League, there must be no room for sentiment.
Despite Bamford being at the club for seven years, relying on him to contribute next season would be a costly decision for the 49ers.
Ever since Bamford’s remarkable 2020/21 Premier League campaign that saw him called up to the England squad, it has been a hard crash back down to reality.
His trademark poor finishing and injury issues have plagued him for the past four seasons now, as he looks to be a player past his sell-by date.
The 31-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting position ever since Farke took over, with the forward only being limited to 17 appearances off the bench last season.
Patrick Bamford Championship stats (2024/25 season)
Appearences 17
Starts 0
Goals 0
Total minutes 239
Bamford struggled to make an impact for Leeds last season.
Bamford has been viciously criticised by the fanbase at times, but will always be fondly remembered in West Yorkshire as a vital cog in Marcelo Bielsa’s system.
But now is the time Leeds should bid the striker farewell.
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