With the end of the season edging ever closer, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will have some key decisions to make regardless of what division they find themselves in next season.
The Whites currently sit at the top of the Championship, two points clear of third place with eight games to go, undoubtedly in pole position to end their two-year exile from the Premier League.
The German has undoubtedly been boosted in his attempts due to the excellent work conducted by the hierarchy in recent times, with the likes of Ao Tanaka arriving and seamlessly fitting into the starting eleven.
tanaka-leeds
However, numerous players are likely to be moved on from Elland Road to allow for any further investment, subsequently taking the club to the next level in the process.
One player in particular is expected to depart Yorkshire, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of first-team action throughout the 2024/25 league season.
Patrick Bamford could leave Leeds this summer
Patrick Bamford is a player who captured the hearts of the fanbase back in 2020/21 when he notched 17 Premier League goals in the club’s first season back in the top flight.
However, he’s since struggled to match such performance levels, only scoring the same tally, but over the last four campaigns combined - none of which have come in 2024/25.
patrick bamford
The 31-year-old hasn’t featured since the New Year’s Day draw with Blackburn Rovers, still sitting on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, only managing a total of 11 appearances to date.
He was strongly linked with a move to Wrexham in January, but no move materialised, given the lack of action this campaign, it looks almost certain the club will look to move him on - especially because of his £80k-per-week wages.
However, it’s likely he will be followed out of the door by numerous other players this summer, with Farke needing to offload one player alongside the striker.
The player who Leeds need to offload this summer
Leeds have invested heavily into the squad during their recent stint in the top-flight, trying to consolidate their place amongst some of the best clubs in world football.
farke-championship-leeds-rutter
Some of the investments have been worthwhile, with the likes of Georgino Rutter, Junior Firpo and Raphinha all being worth every penny given the time spent in Yorkshire.
However, the same can’t be said for Jack Harrison, who ultimately has struggled since his permanent move to Yorkshire, often being outshone by others around him.
He spent three years on loan at the club from Manchester City, before forking out £11m for his services back in the summer of 2021, struggling to replicate the form during his temporary stint.
Harrison only managed to register 16 goals in his 80 appearances throughout the two years prior to suffering relegation, jumping ship on spending the last two years on loan at Everton.
Jack Harrison for Everton
The 28-year-old has been unable to impress at Goodison Park, registering eight combined goals and assists in the last two years, simply not at the level required of a top-flight side.
During his spell on Merseyside, Harrison has been labelled “abysmal” by one journalist, highlighting how disappointing he’s been during his temporary spell away from Yorkshire.
Jack Harrison's stats for Everton in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shots on target per game
Pass accuracy
Cross success
Dribble success
Possession lost per game
Stats via FotMob
His time at Leeds played a massive role in their success under Marcelo Bielsa, but given his weekly wage of £90k, he’s earned over £9m during his time at the club, which when coupled with his transfer fee has seen him bleed the club id £20m.
If the Whites are to be a success in the Premier League, should they get there by the end of the season, then it’s important Farke is able to invest and improve his current side.
Harrison ultimately isn’t the answer and his lack of impact out on loan and his extortionate wages hands the 49ers a huge reason to offload him ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Harry-Kewell Related
[Farke has unearthed Leeds' modern-day Kewell in "exceptional" star](https://www.footballfancast.com/farke-has-unearthed-leeds-modern-day-kewell-daniel-james/ "Farke has unearthed Leeds' modern-day Kewell in "exceptional" star")
Daniel Farke might have uncovered Leeds United's next Harry Kewell in this gem.