Leeds United have a number of players whose contracts are set to expire next summer, and some of them may not be re-signed.
Daniel Farke has made significant changes at Elland Road since taking over after relegation, transforming the landscape of the Leeds squad.
It was a much-needed change for the players who had failed in the Premier League, but several have stayed to compete for promotion in the Championship.
After the transfer window closed, numerous players’ long-term fates remained uncertain as they reached the final year of their contracts.
Here, we look at two players who we believe are in their final year at Elland Road…
Mr. Luke Ayling
After signing a one-year deal midway through last season, it appeared that Leeds were preparing for Ayling’s departure in 2024.
He was a talismanic figure at Elland Road and one of the great icons of the club that won promotion in 19/20, and he will be remembered fondly.
However, the early stages of this season have shown that he is no longer the player he once was, marauding up and down the touchline for 90 minutes on end and appearing like a key member of a very good EFL defense under Marcelo Bielsa.
Now, it appears that the contrary is true, and the end of the season may be the perfect time to part ways.
Mr. Stuart Dallas
Mr Versatile was another club icon during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure, and Dallas was able to maintain their Premier League status.
He put in 8/10 performances no matter where he played and was one of the finest players on the team at the tail end of that ninth-placed run.
A terrible femur leg break in April 2022 has wrecked his hopes of ever becoming a significant player for Leeds again; he has failed to kick a ball for the club since and appears to be no closer to returning.
Footage of the Northern Irishman present with the group at Thorp Arch keeps cropping up, indicating he’s working hard to get back to peak speed, but such an injury means he can’t be rushed.
Like Adam Forshaw in earlier years, perhaps the club would keep him on to help him recover; given what he’s done for the club, he’d be deserving of a new contract. Fans would do anything to see him return to the team this season, even if just for a five-minute cameo at the finish.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to anticipate.
About The Author
Leave a Reply