Micah Richards makes early Leeds United transfer prediction to Gary Lineker
Leeds United are primed for a pivotal summer as they aim to strengthen their side for the Premier League.
The Elland Road club won the Championship title on the final day of the season, pipping Burnley on goal difference.
Now, their attention is on acquiring quality as they intend to retain their Premier League status on the first attempt.
With all three promoted clubs now confirmed, Micah Richards has predicted what he expects from Leeds in the transfer market.
Richards shares Leeds transfer thoughts on Match of the Day
Leeds and Burnley confirmed their Championship promotion some time ago, and they were joined by Sunderland, who won the play-offs.
The trio will be unfancied next season, given how all three promoted clubs were relegated this campaign.
| Position | Team | Points |
| 16th | Wolves | 42 |
| 17th | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 |
| 18th | Leicester City | 25 |
| 19th | Ipswich Town | 22 |
| 20th | Southampton | 12 |
It will be intriguing to see what strategies the promoted trio implement in the transfer window, as budgets will differ.
Indeed, the Yorkshire club are armed with a £100million war chest, which they will need to spend wisely.
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Richards discussed the three promoted sides while on Match of the Day (25 May).
Richards made an early transfer prediction for Daniel Farke’s side when talking to Lineker.
He said: “It’s hard (the step up) but I watched Burnley a lot this season. They are defensively really good.
“Leeds will have money to spend and I fear maybe for Sunderland.”
Leeds must spend money wisely in summer transfer window
While the Yorkshire club will have substantial funds to spend in the summer, it is vital that they spend it well.
Farke already possesses some quality players, but will lose Manor Solomon, who will return to Tottenham after his season-long loan.
Leeds must target players with Premier League experience and have been linked with West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell.
That would be a solid start for the Elland Road outfit, but they will need to do more if they are to survive in the top flight.
Ipswich and Southampton both spent over £100million last summer, and it was not enough to keep them in the Premier League.
Let this be a lesson to Leeds as they embark on a vital summer.