Against all odds, Leeds managed to pull off the impossible and survive relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, confirming their top-flight status for another year.
A 2-1 win against Brentford coupled with a 2-0 Burnley loss to Newcastle United saw Jesse Marsch’s side escape the drop in the last match of the season, and for Leeds, surviving relegation is huge for the future of the club.
- Three players who could replace Fernandinho at Manchester City
- £166m superstar among best XI of under-23 free agents this summer
With reports now suggesting that Marsch will be backed in the summer, it is an exciting time to be a Leeds supporter, and with the transfer window just weeks away from opening, here are five reasons why the Whites have to make as soon possible if they are to thrive next season.
Confirm the signing of Brenden Aaronson
Within minutes of Leeds’ 2-1 result against Brentford that confirmed their Premier League survival, reports had started pouring in that a $30m (£24m) deal to sign RB Salzburg talent Brenden Aaronson is close to being finalised.
The American international has established himself as a key clog for the USA’s exciting generation of promising talent, for Leeds, wrapping up Aaronson so soon in the transfer window would be an incredible coup for the club as well as a major sign of intent from Marsch.
Get the best deals possible for Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips
Leeds fans, there’s simply no sugar-coating this, Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips are almost certain to leave Elland Road this summer, and for those working behind the scenes, they have to do everything in their power to get the best deals possible for the duo.
Raphinha and Phillips have been two of Leeds’ best players since their return to the Premier League last season, and with each player worth a reported £50m, the Whites must do all they can to offload the superstars to as close to this figure as possible this summer, with £100m in transfer fees something that could be huge for the Yorkshire side.
Identify defensive targets to improve the backline
With 79 goals conceded this season, Leeds’ defence was the second-worst in the Premier League, with Norwich City’s the only other backline that leaked more, and this summer, Marsch simply has to address this issue.
Whilst injuries did play their part during the campaign, new centre-backs and a screening midfielder must be at the top of Leeds’ transfer list, as well as a new right-back, with Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas both struggling big time this season.
Find suitable loan clubs for breakthrough youth players
As mentioned, injuries have been a recurring theme for Leeds this season, which forced both Marcelo Bielsa and Marsch to turn to youth to both fill out numbers on the bench as well as start games. And whilst there have been some notable success stories, a few of these prospects would benefit from a loan move this summer.
Sam Greenwood started the crucial fixture against Brentford, but the 20-year-old attacker could do with a stint either in the EFL or abroad to play regular minutes, whilst teenage centre-back Charlie Cresswell would also hugely benefit from a loan move away from Elland Road next season.
Sign a striker who suits Jesse Marsch’s system
Goals flowed in for Leeds under Bielsa’s system, yet this season, in large part to injuries, the Whites’ attacking flow has completely dried up, and this summer must see Marsch sign a striker who suits the American’s system.
With reports that Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo are open to leaving Leeds this summer and Patrick Bamford’s injury problems just now going away, Victor Orta will be tasked with finding a new leading striker for the Whites ahead of next season, and ideally one that fits what Marsch’s system is built around.
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