With less than two months left in the 2024/25 season, it would be a surprise to know that Leeds United will have one eye on the summer transfer window with numerous big calls needing to be made.
Daniel Farke has led the Whites to the top spot in the table with just eight games remaining, but it’s unclear how many of his most recent starting eleven will remain at Elland Road next season.
Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell are both currently spending the season on loan in Yorkshire, with it currently unclear whether either player will return on a permanent basis next season.
Leeds United's Manor Solomon celebrates scoring their first goal
Junior Firpo, Sam Bryan and Joshua Guilavogui’s deals all expire at the end of June, with decisions needing to be made if they are to be offered an extension on their current contracts.
One thing is for sure, with Farke needing to finally cash in on one player who’s been well below the levels expected of him over the last couple of months in the Championship.
Why Leeds must sell Aaronson this summer
Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson moved to Leeds in the summer of 2022 from Austrian side RB Salzburg, costing a mammoth £25m, but was unable to prevent the side being relegated from the Premier League.
As a result of the drop back into the second tier, he would leave on loan, joining Union Berlin, before returning to Elland Road for the ongoing season, looking to be a key player in the early stages of the season.
brenden-aaronson-leeds-championship-solomon
The American notched nine of his ten goal contributions by the end of December, only managing one in the last four months, struggling to match the early-season heights he set for himself.
He’s often come under fire for his lack of impact, costing the side two points in the last clash with QPR, by giving the ball away in his own area before Koki Saito fired home for the hosts.
Given his recent form, it’s clear he’s not at the level required, with Farke needing to cut his losses, offloading him alongside another player to allow for fresh blood in the squad.
The Leeds player who’s bled the club of £22m
Regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in next season, additions are needed across the board to hand Farke with the added strength in depth he needs.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke celebrates after the match
However, outgoings could be used to fund such additions, with Aaronson just one of those who could command a decent transfer fee given the money paid for him a few years ago.
Striker Patrick Bamford originally joined the club back in the summer of 2018, looking to provide the goods in front of goal after his £7m transfer from Middlesbrough.
Whilst he notched 10 goals in his debut year, it wasn’t enough to secure promotion, losing to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals during Marcelo Bielsa’s first year at the helm.
However, he would play a key role in the promotion-winning season the year after, notching 16 goals and maintaining his place at the top end of the pitch under the Argentine - having his best-ever season in 2020/21.
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The 31-year-old scored 17 Premier League goals and subsequently earned an England call-up, but he’s massively struggled to replicate such form since, only registering 17 goals over the last four seasons combined.
This year alone, he’s been plagued by injuries, featuring just 11 matches and unable to find the back of the net once, with the club desperately needing to offload him given his £80k-per-week wages.
Patrick Bamford's time at Leeds United (2018-2025)
Season
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Total:
Stats via Transfermarkt
Bamford has since earned over £15m in wages during his time at the club, which, when combined with his transfer fee, has seen him bleed the club dry of around £22m.
Whilst he made himself a fan-favourite during his early years in Yorkshire, he’s rapidly declined over the last few years, with Bamford not proving value for money given his staggering wages.
He’s entering the back end of his career, with the 49ers needing to cut ties to provide Farke with the budget to make his own stamp on the forward line ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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