Leeds United have enjoyed a busy start to the summer transfer window, but Jesse Marsch can continue to improve his Elland Road ranks by re-signing these former Whites players.
The West Yorkshire outfit have already secured the arrivals of six stars, with Luis Sinisterra following Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi and Tyler Adams in agreeing deals. But Leeds have also had to replace Kalvin Phillips and possibly Raphinha.
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Phillips has moved to the Etihad Stadium for £45m on a six-year contract after 234 games over eight seasons in Leeds’ first-team. While Raphinha may follow the England midfielder out of Elland Road, as Sport report Barcelona have made a final bid worth €55m (£46.5m).
Sinisterra is expected to serve as Raphinha’s replacement on the right-wing, should Leeds agree to sell the Brazilian this summer. Adams is likewise seen as Phillips’ successor in the holding role after the American reunited with his compatriot and former RB Leipzig coach.
But while Marsch has replacements in mind for two of Leeds’ most important players, the Whites could continue to improve his Elland Road ranks by re-signing some former stars…
Leeds should re-sign former player Alioski after Al-Ahli exit
Marcelo Bielsa released Ezgjan Alioski at the end of his contract last summer, but Marsch should now look to re-sign the former Leeds player. The North Macedonia star’s presence was missed in West Yorkshire last season as his successor, Junior Firpo, struggled to adapt.
United paid Barcelona £13m to bring Firpo to the Premier League, but the 25-year-old was rarely worth the money. Regularly, forwards would turn the Dominican Republic defender inside out, while Firpo also only started 19 of his 23 top-flight outings in-between injuries.
Now, Leeds could re-sign Alioski as Sport Media MK report the 30-year-old has terminated his contract at Al-Ahli. The left-back joined the Saudi outfit last summer but could not help the Royal avoid relegation, despite his impressive campaign with six goals and nine assists.
Leeds should re-sign former player Butland with Crystal Palace open to exit
Leeds could explore re-signing Jack Butland with Crystal Palace open to the former Whites player’s departure. Patrick Vieira will not stand in the shot-stopper’s way after sealing Sam Johnstone’s free arrival from West Brom, per The Sun, amid interest from Middlesbrough.
Butland has also rejected a transfer to Birmingham City as a return to St Andrew’s failed to excite the former England international. But a return to Elland Road could catch his eye, as he would be the third-choice goalkeeper in south London should he stay at Selhurst Park.
March could benefit from Butland’s expertise by seeing Leeds re-sign their former player. The 29-year-old joined United on a short-term loan from Stoke City in 2014 for 16 games. And any return to West Yorkshire could now offer Marsch superior cover for Illan Meslier.
Marsch should see Leeds re-sign Barkley with Chelsea open to former player’s exit
Leeds fended off the threat of relegation from the Premier League only on the final day of the 2021/22 season. Marsch will now be determined to see United avoid another scrap for survival, so should see the Elland Road natives strive to re-sign Ross Barkley from Chelsea.
United briefly called on Barkley’s services on loan from Everton in 2013 for just four games and an assist. Yet the 28-year-old’s return to Goodison Park later led to a £15m transfer to Stamford Bridge. But the Mirror note Thomas Tuchel is now actively looking to sell Barkley.
Tuchel wants to move the midfielder on after he entered the final year of his £96k-a-week contract in west London. The 33-cap England maestro also only started one of six Premier League games last season, but he offered a reminder of his skill by scoring on the final day.
Marsch should explore Elland Road return for Bournemouth’s Cook
Marsch should explore an Elland Road return for Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook this summer. The Leeds academy graduate left West Yorkshire for the south coast in 2016 in a £6m transfer, rising to £10m. He left at 19-years-old, following 85 first-team appearances.
Cook has since amassed 149 games for the Cherries, including 29 last season, and remains under contract until 2024. But the one-cap England ace can offer Marsch a great, dynamic presence in the engine room, if he can prise him away from the Championship runners-up.
“Cook, in the last three games, I think he’s been exceptional,” Bournemouth boss Scott Parker told the Daily Echo in March. “I loved every bit of him. He’s been a driving force, has been top. Full credit to him really. I think he’s growing, he’s becoming stronger.”
Marsch can bring Vieira back to Leeds after ‘out of your control’ sale
Marsch can look to bring Ronaldo Vieira back to Leeds this summer, four years after Bielsa sold the midfielder. The Whites allowed their academy product to join Sampdoria for £6m, after which Vieira hinted the decision to join the Serie A side was not one he had wanted.
“Sometimes in life things don’t go as you want them,” Vieira said on Twitter. “Sometimes things are out of your control. But then you have to take these opportunities and give it your everything the same way I have always done. I have nothing but love for Leeds.”
Leeds could now explore re-signing their former player with Vieira out of contract in 2023. The former England U21 international could also prove to be a shrewd acquisition after he endured a frustrating 2021/22, having not seen his season start until January due to injury.
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