Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United’s season is in danger of fizzling out as they current look set to miss out on the play-offs, and failure to win promotion this season could have a massive impact on their squad.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

A run of one win in six games could not have come at a worse time for Garry Monk’s side, and their end of season capitulation has the potential to spark a mass exodus from Elland Road for their star performers. Premier League clubs will be on high alert if Leeds are unable to end their 13-year stint away from England’s top tier.

Monk received plenty of praise for the squad he has put together in his first year in charge at Leeds. He has assembled a relatively young side with plenty of potential mixed with high profile players that has been in the top six of the Championship for the majority of the campaign.

Their exciting brand of football and plaudits could all prove to be in vain if Leeds are playing their league football in the Championship next season. We look at five players that may leave the club if they fail in their bid for promotion,

Pontus Jansson

It is not often that a club is at risk of losing a player that has just agreed to sign a three-year deal just a couple of months ago, however with Pontus Jansson, Leeds find themselves in this situation.

After impressing during his loan spell from Italian Serie A side Torino, Leeds were quick to sign the defender to a permanent deal at Elland Road when his contract expires with them in the summer. He has been a key figure in their surge up the Championship table and many believe that his future lies at a much higher than England’s second tier.

The Daily Star reports that Southampton are lining up a £10 million for the 26-year-old and a newspaper in his native Sweden (Kvallsposten) has suggested that Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in the Swedish international. If a serious bid does come in from a Premier League club then Leeds will have the unenvious task of convincing their talismanic centre-back that his immediate future lies in Yorkshire.

Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates scoring

Kyle Bartley

Bartley is another player that has enjoyed a highly productive loan spell at Leeds, but unlike Jansson no move has been agreed for a permanent move to Elland Road.

The 25-year-old is on loan from Premier League side Swansea City and he has been an ever present in the Leeds back four and has put in consistently high performances, he has even managed to get five goals to his name so far this season.

The Arsenal academy graduate has proved his ability at Championship level and Monk will be keen to add him to his squad on a permanent basis. However with his parent club’s Premiership safety still in doubt, Swans boss Paul Clement may have to consider having him back at the Liberty Stadium for a promotion push in Wales next season.

Kyle Bartley has played in all but one of Leeds’ Championship games this season

Charlie Taylor

Taylor is a product of the Leeds academy and after a number of loan spells away from Elland Road earlier on in his career, the 23-year-old has made the left back spot his own in recent seasons.

He now has over 100 Championship appearances to his name and despite his young age, he will be considered an experienced head in a youthful Leeds side. Taylor has the ability to provide assists as well as being a steady influence in their back line.

Taylor’s contract runs out in the summer and it seems like an agreement of a new deal is no closer. He handed in a transfer request last summer that was rejected unanimously. Leeds rejected £7 million bids from a number of Premier League clubs in January (Guardian). Promotion seemed to be the only bargaining tool the club to convince Taylor to extend his stay with the club. Taylor will be almost certain to head for the exit door if it is not achieved.

Charlie Taylor had a transfer request rejected last summer

Ronaldo Vieira

A player who shares his name with two of football’s most prestigious names will naturally draw attention. However Vieira has made a name for himself with his performances on the pitch.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a successful breakthrough season in Garry Monk’s youthful side. His natural ability coupled with his unwavering stamina has quickly made him a fans favourite. The tough tackling defensive midfielder has shown maturity beyond his years and it seems likely that his career will take him to a higher level than the Championship.

It will be best for all parties concerned for Vieira to continue his development with Leeds but Premier League clubs can be forgiven for considering a move for one of the brightest talents outside of the top tier of English football.

Ronaldo Vieira in action

Chris Wood

When your side includes the top goalscorer in the Championship then it is only natural that his name will be touted for a big money move to the Premier League.

Wood has scored 25 goals so far this campaign and since joining Leeds, he has scored 41 goals in 83 games. The 25-year-old will be slightly disappointed that his superb goal haul this season may be in vain. If Leeds do fail to clinch a play-off spot then it will take some seriously good man-management from Monk to inspire Wood to do it all again next season.

The towering centre forward would be forgiven for asking questions about his immediate future and seriously looking at the possibility of having a real go at proving himself in the Premier League. The possibility of losing Wood would be disastrous for Leeds and their fans will be hoping they can keep a hold of their star man, whatever league they are playing in next season.

Chris Wood has scored 25 goals so far this season