One of Leeds United’s January transfer targets has been confirmed as having been released by his present club.
Leeds made just one new acquisition during the winter window: Connor Roberts signed on loan from Burnley, although he will not be returning on a permanent basis.
Given Leeds’ failure to finish in the top two and reach the play-off final, Daniel Farke may regret not strengthening more in January, since the squad currently appears to be rebuilding.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has admitted that some key players may have to depart following the club’s failure to return to the Premier League, but he insists that money will be available to spend.
With that in mind, Leeds’ starting XI in August may look very different from the one that faced Southampton at Wembley, but it should be strong enough to push for another promotion.
Borna Barisic, a Leeds target, was released by Rangers on a free transfer. Despite being linked with several players in January, Leeds only signed one on deadline day.
Farke had wanted to reinforce left-back heading into the window, but the form of Junior Firpo – who produced eight assists from January onwards – prompted them to continue with their current lineup.
However, they may try to review this situation this summer, with Firpo out of contract in 12 months and unlikely to be handed a new agreement, making this their last chance to get a fee.
Borna Barisic, a left-back targeted by Leeds earlier this year, will now be available on a free transfer this summer.
Rangers revealed earlier today that he is one of several players who will be released at the conclusion of their contracts this month, including former Leeds striker Kemar Roofe.
Leeds were one of several clubs interested in signing the £2 million defender before the end of his contract, but he ended up staying at Ibrox.
Trabzonspor is the most likely destination for Barisic.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds decide to renew their interest this summer, but given his age and previous struggles at Rangers, the hope is that they do not.
In any case, Barisic’s most likely destination at this moment appears to be Turkey, with rumours from March indicating he had given the ‘the light’ to join Trabzonspor.
After finishing third in the table, a move to Trabzonspor would allow Barisic to play European football rather than dropping into the Championship.
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