Leeds United should look to make use of the free agent market this summer.
Though Paraag Marathe has confirmed money will be available to spend, there are plenty of top players who could be available for nothing at the end of this month.
Leeds have made decent use of it over the last couple of years by bringing in both Joel Robles and Sam Byram, but it certainly isn’t a market they have tapped into enough.
Red Bull’s lucrative minority investment this week will give Leeds more leeway in the transfer window, but it is always a fine line remaining compliant with the EFL’s PSR constraints.
That is exactly why Leeds should be looking towards the free transfer market, with LeedsUnited.News having already assessed three out of contract Championship players who could be good additions.
Now, we have taken a look at three from the Premier League who could fit the bill.
Ben Johnson – West Ham
Right-back is certainly an area which could require a couple of reinforcements this summer, with Connor Roberts returning to Burnley, Byram out of contract, and Archie Gray attracting plenty of interest.
One player who looks set to be available on a free is West Ham United’s Ben Johnson, who has reportedly rejected several offers of a new deal.
Leeds were keen on signing Johnson on loan in January due to his lack of game time at the Hammers, but he was handed more of an opportunity in the side.
Those began to get less and less towards the end of the campaign, and so as such, he clearly feels as though he is at a point in his career he needs to play regularly.
Leeds should now be looking to reignite their interest in the 24-year-old and make him first choice at Elland Road. He would immediately become one of the best in his position at this level.
Ryan Sessegnon – Tottenham
On the other side of defence, Leeds could also be in the market for additions with the future of Junior Firpo uncertain.
Providing eight assists, Firpo enjoyed an excellent second half of the season, but is out of contract next summer, and at this stage, it does not appear as though he will be offered a new one.
It is also unlikely that he would be open to playing another season at this level, meaning all the signs are pointing towards him heading for the exit door.
One player Leeds should be looking at as a potential replacement is Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon, though it would be a risk given his torrid recent injury record.
Having said that, Sessegnon is still only 24 and has plenty of years ahead of him in his career, and a fresh start could be exactly what he needs.
He is also capable of playing as a left-winger, and the season he enjoyed at this level as 17-year-old with Fulham when he scored 15 goals shows how good he can be at this level.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid – Fulham
Though it is still less than a week since Leeds’ play-off final defeat, it is the attacking players who have already started to attract the most interest.
Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter are all among those who have been touted for exits, and some serious replacements would need signing if they were to depart.
With all those players under the age of 22, their inexperience may have proved costly for Leeds in the end and so someone who is, perhaps, a little more seasoned at this level, could be an asset to the squad.
One potential free agent who fits that bill is Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is still yet to sign a new deal at Fulham, despite the offer of a new one, as per the Athletic.
De Cordova-Reid enjoyed a decent season in the Premier League for Fulham last season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 17 starts.
He can play both centrally and on either wing, making his versatility one of his most attractive assets.
The best season of his career came at this level with Bristol City back in 2017/18 when he scored 19 times, and he has always found the back of the net fairly consistently during his time at Fulham. Would be a great addition at this level.