One of Leeds United’s January transfer targets is now confirmed to have been released by his current club.
Leeds brought in just one new signing during the winter window as Connor Roberts joined on loan from Burnley, though he will not be returning on a permanent deal.
Given how Leeds fell short in the race for the top two and the play-off final, Daniel Farke may regret not strengthening more in January, with the squad now looking set for a rebuild.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has acknowledged some key players will have to leave after the club’s failure to return to the Premier League, but has insisted money will be there to spend.
With that in mind, Leeds’ starting XI come August could look a whole lot different to the one that faced Southampton at Wembley, but hopefully strong enough for another promotion push.
Leeds target Borna Barisic released by Rangers on a free
Leeds were linked with plenty of players back in January but as mentioned, it was just the one who came in on deadline day.
Heading into the window, left-back had been a position Farke was keen to strengthen, but the form of Junior Firpo – who provided eight assists from January onwards – saw them stick with what they had.
However, it could well be a position they look to revisit this summer with Firpo out of contract in 12 months time and unlikely to be offered a new deal, making this the last chance for them to get a fee.
And one left-back who Leeds were looking at earlier this year who is now going to be available on a free transfer this summer is Borna Barisic.
Rangers confirmed earlier today that he is one of several players set to be released at the end of his contract this month, alongside former Leeds striker Kemar Roofe.
Leeds had actually been one of several sides keen on landing the £2 million defender before the end of his contract, but he ended up staying at Ibrox and will now be available for nothing.
Trabzonspor most likely destination for Barisic
It remains to be seen whether Leeds decide to revisit their interest this summer, but given his age, and recent struggles at Rangers, the hope is they don’t.
In any case, Barisic’s most likely destination at this point looks as though it will be Turkey, with reports back in March suggesting he had given the ‘green light’ to join Trabzonspor.
Having finished third in the table, a move to Trabzonspor would hand Barisic the opportunity to play European football, as opposed to having to drop into the Championship.