Leeds United have done it. The Whites managed to secure Premier League survival on the final day of the season, and now, all of a sudden, things are looking up in West Yorkshire.
Another year in the Premier League is another year of massive revenue, and after a close call with relegation, Leeds will be looking to revamp their squad.
It’s fair to say that Victor Orta didn’t get the summer transfer window right last time around, signing just two players – Daniel James and Junior Firpo, and after such a disappointing season, it’s fair to say that Leeds need to add more quality to their squad.
With that in mind, we’ve had a go at predicting how Leeds will line-up in the Premier League next term.
GK – Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier had a tough 2021/22 season, but at the age of just 22, the Frenchman has shown enough to prove that he should remain as Leeds’ number one next term.
RB – Calvin Ramsay
Leeds, along with Liverpool, have been strongly linked with a move for Aberdeen full-back Calvin Ramsay.
Luke Ayling isn’t getting any younger, and after a poor season from the former Bristol City man, we expect Ramsay to come in as his replacement, while Ayling will provide depth from the bench.
CB – Robin Koch
A lot has been made of the lack of quality in the Leeds defence, but let’s not forget, they have a German international in their squad.
Sadly, due to all sorts of injury problems, Koch has struggled to really make his mark at centre-half since arriving at Elland Road. He’s often been forced into the midfield or sidelined with injury, but with a bit of luck, this could be the season that sees him establish himself in the heart of Jesse Marsch’s defence.
CB – Diego Llorente
Diego Llorente is another international defender on Leeds’ books, and if he can remain injury-free, he should be a starter alongside Koch in Marsch’s XI.
Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk will provide adequate depth from the bench in case of any injuries.
LB – Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo had a torrid debut campaign at Elland Road, but we think he could be starting at left-back next season, at least to begin with.
Stuart Dallas will eventually come to occupy this role upon his return from injury, but with the Northern Irishman currently nursing a fractured femur, he’ll miss the start of next season.
DM – Kalvin Phillips
Linked to both Manchester City and Manchester United, we’re tipping Kalvin Phillips to stay at his boyhood club this summer despite ongoing speculation.
Phillips loves Leeds and after narrowly beating the drop, we’re not expecting the midfielder to jump ship quite yet.
DM – Tyler Adams
A player Jesse Marsch knows well from RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls, Fabrizio Romano hinted this week that Leeds could go in for Adams this summer.
The American would do a stellar job in the heart of Leeds’ midfield alongside Phillips.
AM – Brendan Aaronson
According to reports, this deal is almost done.
Leeds went in for Aaronson in January, and now, after beating the drop, the Whites are expected to conclude a deal for the RB Salzburg star.
LM – Ryan Kent
A player Marcelo Bielsa courted for the longest time, Ryan Kent could finally make his move to Leeds this summer.
The Englishman has once again been linked with a move to Elland Road, and with Jack Harrison reportedly open to leaving the club, Kent could be a brilliant replacement for the former Manchester City man.
RM – Noa Lang
While we’re tipping Kalvin Phillips to stay at Leeds, sadly, we can’t make the same prediction about Raphinha.
The Brazilian looks set for a move to Barcelona this summer, and Club Brugge ace Noa Lang could replace him.
Leeds have a long-term interest in Lang, and the club were apparently unhappy about the fact Marcelo Bielsa vetoed this signing last summer.
Don’t be surprised if Victor Orta suggests this player to Marsch this time around.
ST – Patrick Bamford
Leeds’ star striker has struggled with injury all season long, but he will hopefully be able to put those problems behind him going into 2022/23.
An England international, Bamford can be deadly when he’s fit and firing, and while he’s not played much football under Marsch, he could once again be a key player next season.
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