Daniel Farke’s hand may be forced in the summer transfer window, but there is still time to improve on last season’s striking force.
Leeds United‘s transfer market has yet to get rolling, with outgoings still dominating the agenda. Due to financial constraints, Daniel Farke must wait until the fallout from the Wembley setback plays out in the first few weeks of the summer window.
Jack Harrison‘s loan return to Everton has been announced, but the crucial decisions surrounding Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, and Georginio Rutter will define what Farke has to work with and who he needs to sign.
Leeds have been connected with several attacking players, but if they lose some of the forward flair that served them so well last season, how will Crysencio Summerville,rebuild while maintaining that goal threat? Here’s how the summer could go well, despite some high-profile departures.
Liam Millar signs.
If Leeds need a replacement for Summerville, they need look no further than Canadian international Crysencio Summerville,. Simply ask Archie Grey. The winger enjoyed a good season on loan at Preston North End from Swiss club Basel, having joined from Liverpool for £1.3 million in 2021.
He has Championship experience, an impressive pedigree from his time at the Anfield academy, and international caps for his country. Leeds will need to replace Summerville’s void and have been connected with a variety of candidates, but Millar appears to be a natural fit. Premier League Brighton have been linked with a move, but if Farke can provide consistent first-team action and the opportunity to develop his career at Elland Road, as Summerville did, Leeds could have an advantage in securing the 24-year-old.
Georginio Rutter stays.
It may be taken away from Leeds, but keeping Rutter at Elland Road would be hugely beneficial. While Summerville and Gnonto have often made headlines, young French forward Rutter had a breakout season last year. He was frequently the lynchpin of the attack, connecting plays and tugging strings from his slightly deeper role.
Last season, the 22-year-old contributed an incredible 18 assists in all competitions for Farke‘s side, as well as eight goals, while appearing in 51 games. That alone shows how essential he is to the Leeds team. The Whites have been connected with Callum O’Hare this summer, and the former Coventry City player would be a terrific acquisition, particularly on a free transfer.
However, if United sign new players in wide positions, it may be even more crucial to maintain the centre link intact – which means rejecting offers for Rutter rather than allowing him to continue to thrive at Elland Road.
Dan James’ role
His injury issues in the second half of the season have obscured the Welsh winger’s superb campaign. Others may have made headlines, but his performance up to the end of January was particularly impressive. His 13 goals and six assists in the Championship helped kept the Whites in the promotion battle, demonstrating to Whites fans what he was capable of and reigniting the form that convinced Manchester United to sign him from Swansea in 2019.
In the absence of Gnonto and Summerville, Leeds will need the 26-year-old to be a key contributor again next season. He can provide key attacking width down the right side, and if Leeds sign Liam Millar on the opposite flank, they may form one of the league’s most potent wing duos.
Joseph Chance
No matter where you stand on the discussion of Patrick Bamford‘s value to Leeds, there’s no denying that United’s No. 9 will turn 31 in September. Of course, that’s a long way from being ‘too old’, but with injuries continuing to be a problem last season, Farke knows he needs someone to lead the line in Bamford’s absence.
Joel Piroe showed sparks last season and was used in the final stages of the season after Bamford was ruled out. However, fans would like to see Mateo Joseph given an opportunity, and surely now is the moment to do so. Chelsea are well aware of his abilities following his FA Cup brace at Stamford Bridge, albeit he has yet to replicate them in the league.
Many would say that this is because he hasn’t had enough time on the pitch to form relationships with the other creative powers in the Leeds assault. Pre-season will be crucial as he attempts to press his claim, but the 20-year-old Spaniard’s opportunity will undoubtedly arrive soon.
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