Leeds United are said to be in the race for the signing of a Premier League defender about to leave on a free transfer, but defeat in the play-off final has scuppered the club’s chances.
The defeat to Russell Martin’s Southampton saw Leeds’ dismal record in the play-offs continue, the sixth time in the club’s history that Leeds have failed to secure promotion via the end-of-season tournament.
Adam Armstrong’s 24th goal of the season has succumbed Daniel Farke’s men to The Championship for another campaign, at least. It will see The 49ers have to sell a couple of key players to balance the books.
It means Leeds are going to have to buy cheap to keep any kind of profit going into the 2024-25 season and players available on a free transfer, loans and those available on the cheap are the order of the day.
One of those being linked with Leeds is West Ham defender Ben Johnson, with the 24-year-old initially linked in January. He has rejected a new contract at The London Stadium with Leeds and Rangers keen.
Play-off final defeat ends Leeds chances of Ben Johnson signing
A report this week said Johnson’s wages might prove too expensive to sign the “wonderful” star, with Johnson said to be on £33,000 a week having come through the West Ham academy under David Moyes.
Now, a new report from Give Me Sport shares Johnson’s stance. It is claimed that Johnson wants a move to a Premier League club, ending any hope that both Rangers and Leeds have of landing the defender.
Leeds could sit tight and wait to see if Johnson’s gets his wish and joins a Premier League club but the chances are, given he is available on a free and still 24, a top-tier English side will make a move for him.
The right-back role at Leeds needs addressing with four going
This season, Leeds have used Archie Gray, Luke Ayling, Connor Roberts, Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton on the right of defence. Gray was the best of the lost but naturally, the teenager is a central midfielder.
Roberts has returned to Burnley and could now face Leeds next season, while Ayling has joined Boro after a loan spell there. Shackleton and Byram are both out of contract at the end of the month at Elland Road.
Leeds need a right-back, with Ayling and Roberts gone and possibly Shackleton and Byram due to join them as things stand. Johnson would be a top addition but dropping a division is a tough one to take.