Relegation to the Championship will bring fresh opportunities to some players at Leeds United. Fourteen players were shipped out on loan by the Whites last season and all but one remain under contract going into next term.
While Stuart McKinstry is expected to move on with the expiry of his contract, the other 13 will take stock of where they now stand in the pecking order at a second-tier outfit. Sales of the very best first-team players are highly likely, which will open up doors to those previously sent away for new opportunities.
The ownership situation at Elland Road, of course, puts an asterisk next to every plan being made by those working in the offices day to day. However, in the preliminary sifting of how next term’s squad could look, five of those returning from loans are being considered a part of the plans.
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External interest and unforeseen bids, which will all be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, can put cats among the pigeons before the September 1 deadline. This is a squad which does need strengthening and experience adding in some departments, but hopes are high for some of those returning to Thorp Arch this summer.
Daniel James, a £25m arrival less than two years ago, started just five league games all season on loan with newly-promoted Fulham. The 25-year-old has three years remaining on his contract and looks set to be a part of United’s promotion tilt.
The Wales international first caught the eye in the second tier with Swansea City and it is hoped, while his impact in the top flight was limited, he can be a force in the Championship. Likely sales for Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra also thin out the wingers’ department at Elland Road, boosting James’s importance.
Joe Gelhardt should also see more opportunities with Leeds in the Championship. The 21-year-old may have only scored three times in 18 appearances for Sunderland, but he was left high and dry in a system originally designed for him to work alongside Ross Stewart, who was injured soon after Gelhardt’s arrival, in attack.
In the right system, Gelhardt has already shown Leeds fans what he can do when he is on his game. The backline is also expected to be bolstered by those who were on loan in the Championship last season.
Cody Drameh, who played a key role in Luton Town’s run to promotion via the play-offs, is being considered by the Whites hierarchy as a part of next term’s plans. On the left side, Leo Hjelde, most recently with Rotherham United, should also be kept close to the thick of things from the start of pre-season.
Charlie Cresswell, who was at one point considered for sale in January, will be kept in United’s senior plans for next season after a promising loan with Millwall. The 20-year-old came through some tough spells to be a key member of Gary Rowett’s side before a fractured eye socket ended his campaign in April.
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