Following their return to the Premier League, Leeds United must weigh up several tough calls. With top-flight football on the horizon, the club faces the prospect of moving on some of this season’s important contributors to make room for new recruits.
Contracts Ending and Confirmed Exits
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been linked with an exit, while Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui all approach the end of their deals. Sources suggest Guilavogui will “almost certainly” depart within weeks, clearing the way for fresh additions.
Recruitment Drive and Further Departures
Leeds intend to invest in excess of £100 million on summer transfers. Incoming players are expected to push current squad members down the pecking order, particularly those whose Championship performances fell short of expectations. Under scrutiny are Meslier, despite some high-profile saves; striker Joel Piroe, who nevertheless still reached 19 goals; and creative midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Brenden Aaronson’s Future in Doubt
While observers beyond Elland Road have applauded Aaronson’s consistency—he featured in all 45 Championship fixtures—many Leeds insiders view him as the weakest link in the starting eleven. Manager Daniel Farke admitted that Aaronson starts primarily due to the absence of an alternative in the No. 10 role.
Competition for the No. 10 Role
Reports indicate that securing a specialist attacking midfielder is among the club’s top priorities. Should a new playmaker arrive, Aaronson is likely to lose his place in the side. Omitted from the recent United States squad by Mauricio Pochettino, the American may opt to seek regular minutes elsewhere, especially with the 2026 World Cup cycle approaching.
Financial and Sporting Implications
Aaronson joined Leeds in summer 2022 for £25 million after a successful stint at Salzburg and a reunion with Jesse Marsch. Initially pursued by Marcelo Bielsa, he struggled to impose himself, leading to a loan at Union Berlin. Upon his return, he managed nine goals and two assists but never became indispensable.
With two years remaining on his five-year contract, any sale now would almost certainly fall short of recouping the original fee, presenting a significant Financial Fair Play challenge for Leeds United.
