Daniel Farke has a lot to sort out before the summer transfer window closes.
He needs to try and keep hold of his star players at Leeds United, if possible, and sort out the futures of those who went out on loan last term. Several players left temporarily last summer, and it’s unclear if some will be included in Farke’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.
Some players’ futures have already been decided: Jack Harrison returns to Everton on loan, Sam Greenwood goes to Preston North End, and Sonny Perkins heads to Leyton Orient on loan. Others have left permanently, including Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Marc Roca, and Luis Sinisterra, with Llorente, Roca, and Sinisterra all sold for fees. This has generated decent revenue for the club, and they could be due another windfall with Cody Drameh yet to sign a new deal. If he moves to a new club, Leeds could secure compensation.
Leeds United supporters may not be happy about Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober news
Brenden Aaronson is expected to be involved next term, but it’s unclear if Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober will still be at the club when the summer transfer window ends. Both players have three years left on their contracts and no clauses allowing them to leave on loan without Leeds’ approval. Last summer, they indicated to Farke that they were willing to stay and help Leeds return to the Premier League, but they later chose to go on loan, with Kristensen heading to AS Roma and Wober to Borussia Monchengladbach, which reportedly displeased Farke.
If this is the case, it wouldn’t be surprising if both are excluded from the first-team squad for the 2024/25 campaign, though Farke has resolved tricky situations before, as with Willy Gnonto’s bounce-back from last year’s transfer saga. Both are scheduled to return for part of pre-season but may not be welcomed back warmly by either the manager or fans, who want only committed players at Elland Road.
Leeds fans will only want players who are dedicated to the club, especially as they aim to overcome last season’s play-offs heartbreak and push for a return to the top flight. Hence, the return of Kristensen and Wober might not sit well with them.
How Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, and Max Wober could fit in at Leeds United next season
There could be a place for Aaronson, Kristensen, and Wober in the squad. Aaronson might not start but could be a valuable attacking midfield option, especially if Joel Piroe plays mainly as a striker, adding more firepower to an already potent attack.
At right-back, there’s a spot for Kristensen with Ayling and Gray leaving, Connor Roberts’ loan ending, and Drameh yet to renew his contract. Kristensen’s time at Roma might have improved his game, making him a useful player for Leeds.
As for Wober, while his need might not be as pressing as Kristensen’s, he could still be valuable in the center-back department. With Charlie Cresswell, Koch, and Llorente gone, Liam Cooper reportedly set to follow, and Ethan Ampadu possibly moving back to midfield, another center-back would be ideal. A Rodon-Wober partnership could be formidable at this level, but it remains to be seen if fans will accept the return of the Austrian and Kristensen.