Leeds United transfer news as Daniel Farke faces major rebuild already at Elland Road
New Leeds United boss Daniel Farke faces a major rebuild this summer, with several key players set to leave the club, according to the Daily Star [5 July, page 27].
Leeds United unveiled Farke as their new first-team manager last night, but the former Norwich boss will already face his first conundrum as the club are preparing for a major rebuild, with several key players linked to moves away from Elland Road.
Star names at Leeds such as Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Llorente, Willy Gnonto and Rodrigo have all been heavily linked to moves away and will need adequately replacing for the club to be competitive.
The 49ers have already begun the process of finding replacements, having been linked to moves for Liverpool’s Nat Phillips [The Atletic, 4 July] and Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
This will be a bigger job than it seems
Ultimately, taking a squad that has just been relegated from the Premier League, back to the Premier League looks like an easy enough task, and Leeds will be among the favourites for promotion. It has been seen before though, relegated teams can struggle with the weight of expectation.
Teams like Watford, West Brom, Swansea, Cardiff, Hull, Huddersfield and Middlesbrough have all been in the Premier League between 2017 and now, yet all have been stuck in the Championship since their respective relegations.
With such a high turnover of playing staff as is expected at Elland Road this summer, it can be difficult to build strong relationships between players, management, and the club.
A sense of togetherness and a squad of players that understand each other on and off the pitch can often be crucial to a promotion bid in the Championship, but with the level of upheaval at Leeds United, it could take a while to form these bonds.
Farke is likely to be heavily backed in this transfer window after 49ers Enterprises complete their takeover, and he will need to be with the number of stars looking to move on.
In other Leeds United news, the new owners could be set for a £10million double transfer swoop.