Leeds United want to re-sign Connor Roberts with Burnley transfer decision pending
Leeds United are keen on bringing Burnley loanee Connor Roberts back to Elland Road next season, according to The Athletic.
Nancy Froston reported on 13 June that Roberts – alongside fellow Welsh international loanee Joe Rodon – is one of the players the Whites have their eye on re-signing in 2024/25.
Roberts made 15 appearances, albeit only three starts, during his time at Elland Road from February onwards, but returns to relegated Burnley having seen his impact limited by a thigh injury picked up on Wales duty in March.
While Leeds would welcome Roberts back into the fold, the right-back’s future at Turf Moor reportedly hinges on the identity of the Clarets’ new manager after Vincent Kompany, who gave Roberts little game-time in the Premier League, departed for Bayern Munich.
Connor Roberts could be sensible transfer for Leeds United
Leeds bringing Roberts back to Elland Road on a permanent basis this summer would immediately address one area of the squad which has required attention.
Last season, the Whites’ most common starter at right-back was the incredible Archie Gray, but that’s unlikely to be the case in 2024/25 [Justin Allen].
Gray is a midfielder by trade and will want to play there in the coming campaign – if the Whites’ mercurial 18-year-old starlet is not sold for a big fee to assuage profit and sustainability worries this summer [BBC Radio Leeds].
Long-time stalwart Luke Ayling has also departed for Middlesbrough on a free transfer after being loaned to the Riverside in January and Jamie Shackleton could join him through the exit door, leaving Sam Byram as the club’s only right-back option going into next season.
Roberts was clearly a popular character during his short spell in West Yorkshire, despite his limited on-pitch impact, and he’s previously won plaudits from now-Everton manager Sean Dyche, who called him a “very good player” in his time at Turf Moor [Burnley Express].
If Burnley’s new manager sees the defender as surplus to requirements, signing the 28-year-old permanently could prove to be a masterstroke in the long run by Daniel Farke.
In other Leeds United news, Wilfried Gnonto could be replaced by an ‘unknown’ player amid exit talk.
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