As summer draws near, Leeds United has some tough contract decisions to make.
Leeds United will be making preparations for the summer transfer window even though they are unsure of the level they will play in next season. With 12 games remaining, the Whites are in a prime position to challenge Leicester City for the Premier League title over the next several months. Currently, they are sixth points behind the leaders in the Championship, Leicester City.
Given that 49ers Enterprises may decide to splash some cash to celebrate the conclusion of their first year of ownership and that the team will likely have goals in mind, it might be a busy summer. But before the summer spending can start, Leeds needs to make some tough contract decisions, with seven senior players approaching the end of their current deals at Elland Road.
For some, especially those who have already left the club on loan this season, it seems like the writing is on the wall, but for others, it seems like there is a legitimate question over their future in Daniel Farke’s plans. Here are the seven first-team players that could leave the team this summer on a free transfer.
Sam Byram
Despite battling injuries, Byram, who signed a one-year contract with the Whites in the summer, has been an important part of Daniel Farke’s plans. But whether the club will make an effort to retain him on board is still to be seen.
Liam Cooper
The five-year deal the skipper signed in 2019 is due to expire this summer. He has had more of a bit-part role to play this season, making just seven league starts.
Ian Poveda
The winger arrived from Manchester City in 2020, but it appeared that his time with the Whites was coming to an end when he was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday in January.
Drameh Cody
It appears that Drameh will depart the team this summer when his contract ends. He has been at Birmingham City on loan for the entire campaign after failing to capture Daniel Farke’s attentin.
Stuart Dallas
Dallas hasn’t played since April 2022, and since his contract is about to expire, it appears the team will need to make a significant choice this summer.
Jamie Shackleton
The four-year deal Shackleton signed in 2020 is coming to an end and there has been talk of a renewal in recent weeks. Farke hinted at a new deal for the versatile midfielder, too, when asked about Shackleton’s future, claiming the club would look after him.
Lewis Bate
Bate struggled to impress Farke over the first half of the season and he looks set to leave the club this summer, when the three-year deal he signed in 2021 expires. He is currently out on loan at MK Dons