Who will leave Leeds this summer? Contract situations of star players remain key

Leeds United could be set for a busy transfer window this summer, as Jesse Marsch looks to put his own stamp on the team and bring in players suitable for his style of play. 

Of course, a lot of these dealings could hinge on the Whites maintaining their Premier League status, which will be settled on Sunday as Leeds United travel to Brentford in a must-win game if they are to secure survival. 

No matter what happens, it is clear that the Elland Road club could do with shaking things up a bit moving forward, which will include several players departing from Yorkshire. 

The Sporting News rounds up the latest on which players could potentially leave Leeds United in the upcoming transfer window. 

MORE: Who owns Leeds? Radrizzani history and 49ers takeover news

Kalvin Phillips

Boyhood Leeds United fan Kalvin Phillips is widely regarded as the Whites' star man, with his performances at both club and international level making him an attractive proposition for elite clubs in England. 

Despite his obvious love for his hometown club, there have been suggestions in recent times that the Englishman may now feel that the time is right to try a new challenge for the sake of his own career. Contractually, he is tied to Leeds United until the summer of 2024, worryingly leaving just two years on his deal with his transfer market valuation slowly set to plummet as time ticks down.

Manchester United and Manchester City have both been accredited with a strong interest in his services, potentially providing Phillips with a huge dilemma should any official bids arise in the summer. 

Raphinha

In a similar boat to Phillips, Raphinha also has just two years left on his deal this summer as speculation starts to grow surrounding his future. 

The Brazil international has been a key player for Leeds United this season, notching 10 goals and three assists in 34 Premier League appearances. His form in the English top-flight hasn't gone unnoticed, with both Barcelona and Newcastle United reportedly keen to prise the 25-year-old away from Elland Road. 

Talks have reportedly been going on with the former for quite some time, with his relegation release clause standing at just £25 million should Leeds United drop down into the Championship this weekend. Only time will tell with regards to the final outcome of this situation.

Rodrigo Moreno

Another man who may be set to make way from Leeds United this summer is Spain international Rodrigo Moreno, who was signed for a club-record £26 million fee from Valencia back in 2020. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a decent season in the Premier League this campaign, registering seven goal contributions from 30 appearances: six goals, and one assist. 

Despite this, his deal at the club has only two years to run, which would leave him able to walk from Leeds United in a couple of years' time. Taking into account his age and relative lack of sell-on value, it could make sense for Leeds United and Rodrigo Moreno to part ways in the upcoming window. 

Barcelona have been tentatively linked with a move, as the forward looks to get regular goals under his belt ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar later this year. 

Luke Ayling

Perhaps one of the more surprising players on this list, there are a few factors that could potentially make Luke Ayling a surprising exit from Leeds United in the not too distant future, if not this summer. 

Firstly, his contract is up in 2023, signifying that he is soon to move into his final 12 months as a Leeds United player. Recently, he also sustained a knee injury that has required surgery, ruling him out until Autumn 2022. 

Leeds United have also been in the market for another right-back in recent months, with Aberdeen starlet Calvin Ramsay being subject to some serious interest by the club.

Clubs don't usually rush to hand out new contracts to long-term injured players, even more so when they are now on the wrong side of 30-years-of-age. There are no concrete murmurings of interest with regards to stalwart Ayling potentially leaving the club, however, it may be one to keep an eye on over the coming months. 

Patrick Bamford

Patrick Bamford has been a key player for Leeds United in recent seasons, scoring many important goals along the way on their journey to becoming a Premier League side. 

Injuries haven't been kind to the English international in 2021/22, though he has since returned to the first-team fold as he looks to be the man to save Leeds United from relegation. 

The striker is contracted to the Yorkshiremen until 2026, however, resurgent Newcastle United has been linked with a swoop for his signature in the last few weeks. Undoubtedly a clear part of the plans at Leeds United moving forward, they will be desperate to keep hold of the 28-year-old and fend off any potential interest.

Author(s)