Leeds United ‘disaster’ outlined as four players already lined up for summer transfer exit
Leeds United face a “disaster” if they fail to win promotion as it may mean they are forced to sell some of their young stars, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
The report on 11 May, titled ‘It will be a disaster if Leeds are not promoted, but not for Daniel Farke’, reveals that players such as Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto could be poached by elite sides if the Whites remain in the Championship for another season.
However, there is “optimism” that unwanted loanees Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Max Wober and Jack Harrison have “done enough” to convince their current clubs to sanction permanent moves for them.
Leeds United need to win promotion to keep their best players
Failing to clinch an automatic promotion spot could have widespread ramifications if Leeds fail to win the playoffs.
The Whites finished third despite earning 90 points this term, with Ipswich Town and Leicester City taking the top two places.
They must now negotiate the lottery of the playoffs, with Norwich City their semi-final opponents and either Southampton or West Brom to come if they reach the final.
However, it is not simply Premier League status Leeds are playing for now, but the retention of their top talents.
Gray has enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season at the tender age of 18 – he was 17 when the season started – while Summerville has scored 19 Championship goals and registered nine assists.
Gnonto, meanwhile, has redeemed himself in the eyes of many Leeds fans despite a public falling out over a failed transfer away last summer.
To lose players of such quality ahead of a second attempt at promotion would be a significant blow for the Whites, who would be keen to avoid the playoffs next season if they do remain in the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are looking to snap up Ben Johnson after a last-ditch West Ham contract development.
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