Leeds United are set for a busy summer transfer window as they look to rebuild the squad following last season’s struggles. The Whites stayed in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth on the final day as they defeated Brentford 2-1 to move ahead of Burnley, who were beaten by Newcastle United.
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, which is becoming a more frequent occurrence in football. Both players and agents are taking advantage of the fact they can earn big signing on fees when moving elsewhere on a free transfer.
Several players from across Europe are into the final month of their current deals and in various cases are showing no sign of looking to extend. Here is a look at five out of contract players Leeds could target this summer summer.
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Jesse Lingard
After being denied a January loan move to Newcastle, Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United permanently this summer. It has been a sour ending at his boyhood club for Lingard, who 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. It does appear, however, that Newcastle and West Ham are the only clubs capable of meeting his financial demands this summer.
Florian Grillitsch
Leeds have already been linked with a move for Florian Grillitsch this summer as they look to address their issues in central midfield. Grillitsch has spent the last five seasons at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim and appears as though he is ready for a new challenge.
The 26-year-old is a versatile player, whose best position is a centre midfielder that can either sit in front of the back four or play as a box-to-box. That would make him an ideal partner for Kalvin Phillips.
James Tarkowski
With his contract at Burnley set to expire, couple with their relegation, James Tarkowski is set to bring an end to his six-year spell at Turf Moor. Tarkowski will not be short of suitors, with Everton, Aston Villa and Leicester City already reportedly interested.
Whether Leeds are able to match the financial package those clubs can offer remains to be seen. He would, however, provide the Whites with experience and proven top-flight quality if that is the route they decide to go down.
Connor Goldson
It appears as though all the signs are pointing towards Connor Goldson not extending his contract at Rangers. At 29, Goldson could be looking for one final big move in his career and that could well be the Premier League.
Goldson has been an excellent leader for Rangers and has proven he has what it takes at the top level given his performances in the Europa League this season. He could be an excellent addition on a free transfer.
Adnan Januzaj
A slightly more rogue free transfer Leeds could pursue this summer is Real Sociedad’s Adnan Januzaj. Januzaj started 17 games for Sociedad in La Liga last season but is yet to agree a new deal with the club.
The 27-year-old is primarily a right winger, but given his tendencies to drift inside, could also suit the narrower role Marsch likes to operate with. With Raphinha likely to depart this summer, he could prove to be a decent replacement.
