Leeds romped to Championship glory last season and now face the task of putting together a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.
Perhaps dipping back into the second tier to cherry-pick some of its best talent is the best way for Marcelo Bielsa to bolster his ranks ahead of kicking off in the top flight.
We’ve picked out three players who are capable of making the jump from the Championship to help Leeds next term…
Ollie Watkins
Watkins was in the Brentford side which was defeated 2-1 by Fulham after extra time in the Championship play-off final on Tuesday night.
According to BBC, that means an £18 million release clause in his Bees deal has come into effect.
If Leeds are able to wriggle out of their obligation to pay the same sum – as per Daily Mail – to buy Jean-Kevin Augustin and spend it on Watkins, it would make a huge difference to the firepower available to Bielsa.
Watkins was one of the most dangerous players in the second tier last season. He has pace, versatility, uses his body well and can finish with aplomb.
It looks set to be a frantic race to try to land Watkins this summer, and Leeds should be looking to muscle to the front of the queue.
Eberechi Eze is another Championship talent who deserves a move to the big time this summer.
As per Transfermarkt, he netted 14 league goals from midfield in an average QPR side, rounding off with an absolute stunner against West Brom on the season’s final day.
He is capable of driving through midfield, playing killer passes and beating opponents out wide.
Eze is a Premier League standard player who is only going to get better; perfect for Leeds’ first year back in the big time.
Ben Wilmot
Wilmot may not be as eye-catching or exciting as the others on this list.
He spent last season on loan at Swansea, from Watford, and both clubs will be in the Championship next term.
In South Wales, he impressed in the same passing style of football Bielsa demands.
Whether or not Ben White comes back to Elland Road, Bielsa needs at least one other central defender to add depth.
Wilmot is only 20, and it remains to be seen if he forms part of Watford’s plans in the second tier.
He could be a handy little signing with a bright future ahead if Leeds could do a deal with Watford.
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