Leeds United ‘major problem’ shared by Andy Hinchcliffe in ‘shock’ admission
Andy Hinchcliffe has admitted he will be shocked if Leeds United do not finish in the top six in the Championship this season, even with the “major problem” that the high expectations bring.
The pundit responded to questions on the Sky Sports live EFL Blog [8 August, 1:25] and offered his thoughts on Leeds ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Leeds missed out on Premier League promotion last season after the play-off final defeat to Southampton.
He said: “It’ll be a shock if Leeds aren’t in top six.
“There’s bound to be a worry when you lose two of your best players in Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville.
“I still feel if they can get Patrick Bamford fully fit for the whole season, that will be a huge bonus. Joe Rothwell is a very good attacking midfield signing, Pascal Struijk is back fit as well, so that maybe means that Ethan Ampadu can step into midfield.
“I do feel that Leeds have a strong enough squad to challenge. The major problem they might have is expectations after last season.
“They showed a lot of mental strength last season, they’re going to need to show more of it again.
“I’ll be amazed if they’re not at the very least in the top six.”
Leeds United are favourites for promotion despite key sales
The failure of last season’s play-off final defeat hit Leeds hard over the summer. Another season in the second tier led to Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville leaving the club for Premier League sides Tottenham and West Ham United respectively.
Daniel Farke has only a few weeks left of the transfer window to bolster his side for the new season but the squad is still in fantastic shape heading into the curtain-raiser against Portsmouth on Saturday (10 August).
A number of players part of the side relegated from the top division in the 2022/23 season remain. The experience in the Whites’ ranks should help steer them well in their promotion aspirations this season.
Gray and Summerville’s departures will be felt, however. Gray was the third generation of his family to wear the Leeds shirt and Summerville scored 20 league goals last campaign – those goals will need to be found elsewhere in the side.
It is unrealistic to expect United to sign a player capable of replicating the Dutchman’s goal contributions on their own. The emergence of Mateo Joseph into the first team should ease the burden but it’s not a problem with a quick fix.
Leeds are entering the Championship season as favourites to win the division (Opta Analyst) and rightfully so. A few more quality additions should make their chances more comprehensible but the squad is more than capable of gaining automatic promotion this term.
In other Leeds news, the Whites may look to repeat their Crysencio Summerville trick with a new transfer this summer.
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