Leeds United Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities

Leeds United’s Performance in the 2023/24 Season

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League after finishing 19^th in the 2022/23 season. However, they bounced back in style as they finished third in the EFL Championship in 2023/24, however, they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the Playoff Final, thus missing out on Premier League qualification for the 2024/25 season as they will continue in the second tier.

Daniel Farke’s men made a positive and dominant start to the campaign back in August 2023 as they suffered just three defeats in the first two months. The good form carried over into the new year as Leeds United were unbeaten for nearly the whole of January and February. However, a disappointing end to the season saw them slip out of the top two.

They had a decent run in the FA Cup as they made it to Round 5 but fell to Chelsea after an entertaining game. The EFL Cup brought along with it much pain as Leeds were dumped out after a penalty shoot-out defeat against lower division side Salford City.

The club’s goal for next season will be achieving promotion to the Premier League and the board will have to do their best to assemble a squad suitable to pull this off.

Transfer Strategy

Having invested heavily in constructing a new-look squad ahead of the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, Leeds United have adopted a more conservative strategy of late. They used to pay big money to sign highly-rated players that became starters in the current team.

However, the last couple of windows have seen Leeds sign fringe players from bigger clubs as they look for squad players. Having a starting XI of talented players is one thing, but Leeds United understand the importance of having good backups so the level does not drop as much.

Now, with Premier League promotion their main priority, they will look to build a squad that can stay up if and when they get promoted.

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Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier remains the undisputed starting custodian for the Whites but their backups seem unconvincing. Thirty-three-year-old Karl Darlow and 23-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson are the options, but neither seem enough, so they could dive into the market to sign another ‘keeper.

Midfielders

While Leeds United are stacked when it comes to wingers, they have few players who can play in the middle of the park and dictate the game. Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara have handled the workload fairly well but to get to the Premier League and to stay there, Leeds will need to sign another quality midfielder or two.

Bench Depth

With just 26 players in their roster, Leeds will need to make sure that number touches at least 30 so they can rotate effectively and also maintain the quality of the team.

Leeds United Transfer Window 2024: Potential Signings & Top Targets

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Marc Roca

The 27-year-old Spaniard could offer Leeds United some much-needed experience and cover in central midfield should he join. He made 37 appearances for Betis across competitions last season and scored four goals and provided three assists. Available at a cut-price deal, the Whites could be tempted to make a move for him.

Liam Millar

The 24-year-old winger spent last season on loan at Preston North End from FC Basel. He made 35 appearances in the EFL Championship and ended up with five goals and five assists. Able to play on the left in a midfield three, as well as a left winger, Millar can prove to be a real asset should Leeds United sign him.

Silas Katompa-Mvumpa

The 25-year-old Congolese winger had a decent season with Stuttgart last time around. He made 30 appearances across competitions, scoring seven goals and providing six assists. He can play as a right winger as well as a striker and could be an ideal purchase for a cheaper price-tag.

Josh Sargent

Sargent had a decent season with Norwich last time out, despite missing major chunks of the season due to an ankle injury that required surgery to heal. He made 30 appearances across competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing two assists. Since Leeds need a backup striker anyway, signing Sargent could be a good option.

Leeds United’s Financial Capabilities

Leeds have done fairly well to raise funds in the last couple of seasons as they look to re-build their team. Stars such as Raphinha (to Barcelona), Kalvin Phillips (to Manchester City) and Tyler Adams (to Bournemouth) have all departed the club for handsome fees in search of a new challenge.

Budget Overview

Last season, Leeds United sold a total of 26 players and amassed €33.58 million, while they purchased 19 players for €35.90 million. This gave them a net loss of €-2.32 million, which could cause problems in the transfer market.

Financial Fair Play (FFP)

As seen above, FFP could prove to be a stumbling block for Daniel Farke and Leeds United. The club will have to make significant sales before jumping into the transfer market.

Strategic Spending

Leeds will look to sign players for cheap so as not to exceed their FFP limits.

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