Though they currently control their own destiny, it is far from assured as the Foxes are leveling the scores and have a game coming up, while Ipswich, who are only one point behind, have shown themselves to be tenacious rivals and are still very much in the running for promotion after winning seven of their previous eight games.

As things stand, one of those three is destined to miss out on promotion despite likely setting a record for points scored and having the kind of stat line that, in a “normal” season, would normally secure the title, much alone promotion.

Although the Whites have refrained from making any public announcements and have instead stuck to their tried-and-true mantra of “taking it one game at a time,” they are now beginning to focus their attention behind closed doors on the summer transfer window and what that might entail should they become a Premier League team once more.

 

Leeds told signing of Newcastle star ticks lots of boxes

Leeds has already started moving in that direction, identifying Newcastle midfielder Longstaff as a possible transfer option in the event that they do secure a spot in the Premier League, according to sources earlier this week.

As the 26-year-old midfielder approaches the last 12 months of his contract at St. James’ Park, negotiations for an extension have not yet resulted in a mutual understanding. It is therefore asserted that in the event that the parties are unable to agree upon conditions, the player will be let go.

As a result, it’s said that Newcastle would only want for £15 million for the indigenous talent, with Leeds being the team that wants to sign him.

It is now being reported that the deal will go through if Leeds are promoted back to the Premier League and if the Magpies are unable to come to an agreement with him on a new contract before the summer transfer window opens for business.

In an interview with Football League World, former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer expressed his support for the proposed transfer, saying the Whites would be acquiring a “very, very good player” if they were able to sign Longstaff.

“This would be a very excellent signing, as he just has one year remaining on his deal. Palmer stated that Leeds United will benefit from the 26-year-old’s acquisition. He has participated in 135 Premier League games.

According to reports, Newcastle would want a payment of about £15 million, which Leeds could afford.

Daniel Farke is acting in the exact way that a manager ought to be acting right now. This is what you have to do. Leeds has a very good possibility of moving up, so players are what you need to be considering. It’s already difficult enough for Championship clubs to stay in the Premier League; you don’t want to be doing business late. Instead, you want to get the players in.

Bundesliga deal collapses for Leeds

“This would be a terrific signing for Leeds, a really strong signing for the football club,” Palmer said in closing. Reaching the Premier League is one thing, but remaining there is quite another.

Leeds, meanwhile, will have to make a lot of important choices this summer with their plethora of loan players that moved temporarily last summer.

After relegation, in fact, a total of thirteen players left Elland Road, many of them taking advantage of contract terms to go on loan.

Farke and director of football Nick Hammond will also need to make some important decisions regarding the composition of Leeds’ team for the 2024–2025 season, regardless of whatever level the team is in the following year.

Max Wober, who has been on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach for the current season, is one of those players who is now expected to return.

The Bundesliga team does not have the option to extend the contract for the left-sided defender, but it appears Leeds is ready to let him go for about €12 million, or £10.3 million.

But they’ve already decided that’s too much, and they’ve told the player he has to go back to his original club unless the Whites drop their demands.

Journalist Ben Jacobs, who anticipates the player returning to Leeds prior to the start of the new campaign, also appears to have corroborated that information.

Jacobs told Givemesport, “Leeds have a lot of incentive to focus on football and get back into the Premier League.” The plan will then become clearer.

Farke left with big transfer decision to make

Leeds will probably have some headaches upon his return because of the strong feelings that the fans have for the players who left the team after being relegated.

Particularly bitter was Wober’s departure—the player had only joined from RB Salzburg in January and had at first declared his intention to stay.

However, Wober may find an opportunity in the Leeds squad for the upcoming campaign, since Liam Cooper is anticipated to leave after his contract expires. He is a decent option to call upon because he can cover at left-back as well.

It remains to be seen, though, if Farke will overlook the Austrian’s choice to quit on the eve of the Championship season, given the talent Jesse Marsch brought in.

These days, not much can be purchased with the £10 million Leeds are requesting, and if he departed, Leeds could need to find another player to replace Cooper in their lineup.