Numbers will be thinner on the ground than usual for Leeds United’s next head coach when they begin their first day with the squad. The Whites are currently scheduled to return for pre-season on July 2, by which time Leeds are expected to have their man in place.
For the past few years, the first day back has generally meant testing at Leeds Beckett University. Wherever the next head coach wants the squad to report, he will not have everyone at his disposal.
While the faces who did not go away with their countries have no real reason to delay their comebacks, those who were, and currently are, on international duty will need more time to rest. As it stands, July 10 is the expected return date for United’s internationals.
That means Illan Meslier, Liam Cooper, Brenden Aaronson, Crysencio Summerville, Kristoffer Klaesson, Rodrigo, Rasmus Kristensen, Wilfried Gnonto, Max Wober, Daniel James, Leo Hjelde, Helder Costa and Charlie Cresswell should be excused on day one. That delay also provides more time for wantaway names to find a new home before starting pre-season with a club they may not stay at.
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Meslier, Aaronson, Summerville, Rodrigo and Costa especially feel like players whose futures are far from certain in West Yorkshire. While there is plenty of time until the September 1 transfer deadline arrives, it is far from ideal for players to start a campaign with one club before then moving on.
If those internationals looking at the exit door do not want to start the pre-season process with the Whites they have an extra eight days to decide on their futures.
