Leeds United will need to be keeping a close eye on EURO 2024 for some potential gems in the transfer market.
Both the tournament and opening of the transfer window are set to coincide with each other this year, as they get underway in less than 48 hours’ time on Friday 14 June.
Of last season’s first team squad, only Liam Cooper will be representing Leeds at this summer’s EUROs as he prepares for his second major tournament with Scotland.
Cooper and his teammates’ clash against Germany is actually the curtain raiser for the competition, and he heads into it with his future at Leeds still undecided, with his contract up later this month.
Major international tournaments can often be the catalyst for players to really kick start their careers and so we have taken a look at five Leeds need to be keeping an eye on.
Max Wober – Austria
While Cooper is the only member of last season’s Leeds squad out in Germany, there are actually others who have been out on loan.
Max Wober is arguably the most high profile as he prepares to represent Austria with his future at Leeds still undecided. He has even instructed his agent not to discuss it until afterwards.
Interest surrounding the future of Wober and the other returning loanees was heightened earlier this week after it was confirmed Brenden Aaronson will be part of Leeds’ squad next season.
There are now questions as to whether who could potentially follow him, with Wober being one. He spent last season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, who are unable to meet Leeds’ asking price.
After a good individual season, Wober is unlikely to be short of interest but a good tournament could certainly put him further into the shop window.
Leeds will need to keep an eye on how he gets on in relation to how it could affect his price tag, or what he could even potentially have to offer them in the Championship.
Rasmus Kristensen – Denmark
After mentioning Wober, it is impossible not to mention Rasmus Kristensen, who is the third and final Leeds representative at the EUROs.
Like Wober, Kristensen also faces an uncertain future once the tournament is done with AS Roma highly unlikely to be signing him on a permanent deal.
There has so far been no word on any other interested clubs, either, and so it would not be a surprise if like Aaronson, talks are being held behind-the-scenes.
However, if Kristensen has no intention of returning to Leeds, he will need a positive European Championships in order to raise his stock again, which has fallen dramatically in the last two seasons.
On the other hand, if he was to play well, Farke may end up seeing him as the ideal solution at right-back, with it a position that definitely needs strengthening.
Tommy Conway – Scotland
Bristol City forward Tommy Conway is set to be a teammate of Cooper’s with Scotland this summer after receiving a late call-up to the squad.
Conway was rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad as a result of his fine performances in a Bristol City shirt this season, which saw him score 10 goals.
The 21-year-old could well be heavily scouted at this tournament with Bristol Live reporting the Robins are willing to listen to offers for him.
That is because Conway has shown no indication he wants to sign a new deal at Ashton Gate, putting interested clubs such as Celtic and Rangers on ‘red alert’.
With Leeds keen for an overhaul of their striking options, Conway could be someone they look at with both Championship experience, and potential. It is therefore a no brainer to keep an eye on him in Germany.
Ardon Jashari – Switzerland
With Ilia Gruev a reported target for Borussia Dortmund, the centre of midfield could also be a position Leeds to look to strengthen this summer.
And someone who would fit the bill as his replacement is FC Luzern’s Ardon Jashari, who is in the Switzerland squad for the upcoming tournament.
Jashari is a player Leeds have looked at in the past, as they were among a host of clubs interested in signing him back in January 2023.
However, Jashari has stayed loyal to Luzern ever since then, going onto make over 100 appearances, and even being handed the captain’s armband.
He also scored five goals in 36 appearances last season and so is clearly more of a goal threat than Gruev, despite his position being just in front of the back four.
Jashari is still only 21 and so a move to Leeds could be the next logical step in his development, and so he is worth keeping an eye on this summer.
Maxim De Cuyper – Belgium
Perhaps on the more ambitious side, Belgium left-back Maxim De Cuyper is someone Leeds should be looking at in Germany.
Left-back could be a position that needs strengthening this summer with Junior Firpo’s future uncertain due to the fact he has just 12 months left to run on his deal and is unlikely to be handed a new deal.
De Cuyper is currently at Belgian side Club Brugge where he made 55 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing an impressive five goals and 15 assists.
The 23-year-old has a prolific assist record throughout his career and could be a real good signing if Leeds can somehow prise him to the Championship.
And something that could give them optimism in doing so is that Leicester City defender Wout Faes has been able to keep his place in the squad, despite a full season of second tier football.
It will be interesting to see if he is first choice for Belgium this summer with his only two caps having come in the two warm-up friendlies earlier this month.