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Daniel Farke has done a remarkable job since taking charge of Leeds United, steering the club to multiple serious promotion bids from the Championship.
The German manager took over after Leeds dropped to the second tier at the end of the 2022/23 season, when a fresh start was essential to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Although Farke’s side fell short in the play-off final last season, he’s managed to rally the squad, and now, with eight games remaining after the international break, Leeds sit at the top of the table.
That said, the top three are separated by just two points, with Leeds in a tight race for automatic promotion alongside Sheffield United and Burnley.
Regardless of which division Leeds are in next season, several players’ futures need to be addressed, as numerous first-team members either have expiring contracts or are likely to be sold.
Leeds Transfer Update Ahead of Summer
Junior Firpo’s situation at Elland Road is still unresolved, with his contract set to expire in June. This opens the possibility for a pre-contract agreement with any interested club.
It was reported this week that three teams are in talks to sign the 28-year-old, including Real Betis, one of his former clubs, who are also in the running to bring him back this summer.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips has been frequently linked with a return to Yorkshire after struggling to make an impact since his £45m move to Manchester City.
The England international is expected to leave the Etihad this summer, marking the end of his three-year stint with Pep Guardiola’s side. City are reportedly seeking around £20m for his services.
Despite these transfer rumors, Farke will have some tough decisions to make regarding players currently on the roster, potentially having to sell one to streamline the squad.
The Player Farke Must Consider Selling This Summer
Leeds’ attacking line has been strong this season, with Joel Piroe leading the charge with 15 goals, and Borja Sainz the only player to score more in the entire league.
Daniel James and Manor Solomon have been key contributors as well, combining for 33 goals of the club’s total 76 this term.
However, Joe Gelhardt has struggled to make an impact under Farke. After failing to secure a regular starting spot, he was loaned out to Hull City in January.
The 22-year-old, who was signed from Wigan Athletic in 2020 and once earned the “Rooneyesque” label from former coach Tim Wyatt due to his playing style and finishing ability, has had a turbulent time at Leeds.
Over nearly five years, Gelhardt made 58 appearances but only scored four goals.
Despite some crucial moments, like his last-minute winner against Norwich City in the 2021/22 season, Gelhardt has fallen down the pecking order, with Mateo Joseph and Piroe being preferred in recent months.
He made just three appearances before his loan move to Hull, where he’s since scored three goals in 12 appearances.
With his contract expiring in two years, Leeds may need to sell Gelhardt now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
If promotion is achieved in the coming months, significant investment will be required to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
This will likely mean sacrificing some players from the current squad to fund the necessary strengthening.
Gelhardt’s performances suggest that he might not be suited for Premier League football, and Farke may need to make the tough decision to cash in on him this summer to boost the squad’s quality.
