One thing that is clear this summer is that Leeds United have plenty of work to do, but won’t be able to go out and spend £30m on eight or nine players, each.
Not only would that see Leeds spend almost a quarter of a billion pounds to improve the squad, but it would also see The Whites fall foul of or be in danger of breaking Profit & Sustainability Rules.
It means Leeds will have to consider bringing in a few free agents, or a loan deal here and there to save cash on the major priorities in which Daniel Farke needs to strengthen – like a goalkeeper, or a no.10.
Leeds have already been linked with nine free agents this summer, and now a tenth potential free transfer has been touted. Leeds are said to be considering West Ham veteran Aaron Cresswell as a squad player.
Leeds considering West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell on a free
Cresswell is one of four senior players leaving West Ham on a free transfer. Another is Vladimir Coufal who has also been linked with Leeds – with Cresswell ending an 11-year stint with the London outfit.
In that time, three-time England international Cresswell has clocked up 369 appearances for West Ham. A set-piece specialist, the Liverpool-born star has scored 11 goals and laid on 37 assists for the Hammers.
Not only that, but he played a key role in West Ham winning the Europa Conference League, too. Now at 35, he is leaving West Ham and Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that Leeds are eyeing a move.
Nixon claims ambitious Wrexham want to add Cresswell to their side ahead of a Championship season, but that Leeds are also eyeing Cresswell as a squad player. Leeds could need to sign two left-backs.
Why Leeds could suddenly be in need of left-sided defenders…
Currently, four players in this Leeds squad have operated on the left side of the defence under Daniel Farke during 2024-25. Junior Firpo is first choice, while Sam Byram is next on the list to cover Firpo.
But both are out of contract this summer, like Cresswell. Firpo is ‘widely anticipated’ to go while some reports say Byram is unlikely to stay, despite the retained list confirming Leeds were in talks with both.
Then, Isaac Schmidt has admitted he is open to offers and Max Wober is expected to be sold. Leeds are in danger of losing all four potential left-back options this summer and will not only need one, but two.
Signing Cresswell on a free transfer then, adds cover without having to spend a penny – especially given Leeds are likely to spend big on a replacement for Firpo if he does go. But at 35, is it a smart signing?
