Leeds United
Willy Gnonto and Dan James may not be at Leeds for much longer. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United are still four points above the relegation zone as they push to secure their Premier League status this season.
Survival is far from guaranteed, but the club have already begun preparing for the summer by identifying key areas in need of strengthening.
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If they do stay up, Leeds are expected to target a new goalkeeper, look for an upgrade on Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, and add more depth in midfield, with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney among the names being considered.
Leeds also have some calls to make on fringe players ahead of next summer, with Daniel James among those battling to secure his future at Elland Road before the season ends.
Daniel James must grab his chance for Wales to save his Leeds career
The Welshman has been reduced to a bit-part player at Leeds this season despite signing a new and improved contract with the club last summer.
He has struggled with hamstring and back injuries and has not started a Premier League game since the end of November last year.
James has not been fit enough for Daniel Farke to trust him enough to start games, and he has been nothing more than a squad player at Leeds this season.
Farke’s decision to change formations has also left him with no natural position in the starting eleven this season.
He is in the Wales squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier semi-finals and is almost certain to start against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday.
This is his chance to impress in his national team colours and lead them to the World Cup.
James must grab this opportunity and prove to Farke why he deserves more opportunities to feature for Leeds in the last legs of the season.
His future at Leeds hangs in the balance
If Leeds are in the Premier League next season, they will have some big decisions to make on certain players in the summer transfer window.
James is one of the highest earners in the squad, and if he remains nothing more than a squad player, the club have a tough decision to make in the coming months.
Leeds can’t really afford to have one of their top earners sitting on the bench, and may need to trim their wage bill and move players on to make room for upgrades.
If James continues to be a bit-part player, there is a real chance Leeds will look to move him on in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 5-3-2 formation also means that Farke does not need as many wingers in his squad if Leeds stay up at the end of the season.