It is becoming a much more common occurrence for players in the modern game to run down their contracts at clubs. Both players and agents are taking advantage of the fact they can earn big signing on fees when moving elsewhere on a free transfer.
If Leeds United are able to secure their Premier League status this season, then the free agent market could be something they take a huge advantage of with a number of high-profile players set to be available for nothing this summer. Several players from across Europe are into the two months of their current deals and in various cases are showing no sign of looking to extend.
The Whites are likely to be busy in the upcoming transfer window as they look to refresh their squad. Given that their budget is probably one of the smaller in the league, here is a look at five out of contract players Leeds could target in the summer.
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Jesse Lingard
After being denied a January loan move to Newcastle United, Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United permanently this summer after making it clear he would not be extending his deal. Lingard has struggled for game time at Old Trafford this season and as he approaches his 30s, will be looking to go somewhere he can play regularly.
Lingard is capable of playing both out wide and in an attacking midfield role, making him perfect for Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-2-2 system. There won’t be a shortage of takers this summer, though.
Boubacar Kamara
Leeds have already been one of several clubs linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara this summer, who definitely won’t be extending his stay at the French club. The likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester United are also keen.
The Whites are desperate for some midfield reinforcements and he would slot perfectly in alongside Kalvin Phillips just in front of the back four. At 22, Kamara is still very young, meaning if he develops as he is expected to, Leeds could accumulate a huge profit for him in the future.
Divock Origi
During his time at Liverpool, Origi has established himself as somewhat of a cult hero for some of the vital goals he has scored down the years. However, during the entirety of his career at Anfield, Origi has played second fiddle to the Reds’ famed front three of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota now at the club, game time has been massively limited in recent months and so his time at Anfield is set to come to an end. Marsch has already confirmed the club are keen on a striker this summer and given Patrick Bamford’s injury struggles this season, he could be an excellent option in the summer.
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah was a popular figure at Elland Road after his half-season loan spell in Leeds’ promotion campaign. The 22-year-old scored some very important goals in that campaign and has informed Arsenal he will not be signing a new deal as he seeks some regular game time elsewhere.
Nketiah often played second fiddle to Bamford during his stint at the Whites, but in Marsch’s system could play alongside him, which could be a very exciting partnership. The duos’ styles complement each other well, and both have a very keen eye for goal.
John Swift
John Swift is set to end a six-year stay at Reading by leaving the club on a free transfer this summer. No progress has been made on a new deal at the Royals and Premier League interest has been brewing for a number of months.
Swift has almost single-handedly kept Reading out of the bottom three this season with 11 goals and 13 assists from midfield. With numbers like that, it is time for the 26-year-old to test himself in the top-flight as he enters his prime.
