Sell, marry, shun – Leeds United’s transfer priorities amid Liam Millar and Ryan Sessegnon links

The business of Leeds United’s summer transfer window is already underway and if things go as expected, it will be a busy few months for manager Daniel Farke and his staff.

The Whites have already seen two stars on loan, with young striker Sonny Perkins confirmed for a season at Leyton Orient in League One, while Jack Harrison’s spell at Everton has been extended for a further season, but critically with no option to buy – the move simply for Everton to cover his wages in full, which helps Leeds get him off the books for a financial year.

Elsewhere, midfielder Marc Roca made his Real Betis exit earlier this week. Luke Ayling and Lewis Bate have joined Middlesbrough County and Stockport respectively. Free agent Ian Poveda are the other stars to leave Elland Road since the window opened earlier this month.

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Having failed to secure promotion in the 2023/24 campaign, it may be difficult for Farke and company to retain many of their remaining assets for next season, but the club are reassuring supporters that no player sales are necessary or desired . Whether that holds up remains to be seen, but business both inside and outside will need to be sorted out before the season kicks off in August.

So, with that said, here’s a look at what United should be targeting this summer.

Sell

This one is going to hurt, but it may be best to let Crysencio Summerville go this summer. After reaching double figures in both goals and assists last season, his impressive displays in the Championship would have been more than enough to put him on the radar of many Premier League clubs.

In fact, one of the biggest fears the club would have faced before failing to return to the top flight would have been the potential loss of many of their top players this summer, including Summerville, and now it is a real possibility. . Some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs have been linked with the 22-year-old, including Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, who failed to secure a £60m move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise earlier this month.

However, the current favorites to sign the Netherlands international are Brighton as new manager Fabian Hürzeler looks to impose his style of play on the Seagulls following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi. A fee of around £35m-£40m would be the club’s fourth-most expensive sale ever, only putting the star behind Rio Ferdinand, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Leeds will want to avoid another Wilfried Gnonto-type problem where the player tries to force an exit, and with the Championship player of the season on their hands, the Whites can dictate how they approach the problem in front of them. While they are confident there will be no star sales this summer, a departure may be needed to steady the ship as their promotion battle continues into its second year and will no doubt attract as many interested clubs . in Summerville while I can.

Marry

Perhaps best known to Leeds supporters for his wonder goal against them on Boxing Day last season, FC Basel winger Liam Millar could be the perfect answer to Summerville’s expected exit. The Canada international is coming off his best season statistically while on loan at Preston North End and has a release clause built into his contract, making a move a sure thing should Leeds go after him.

One of the most recent names linked with the Albi, the 24-year-old left-back also only has one year left on his contract with Basel, meaning the Swiss outfit would be inclined to sell him before losing their current one. contract. He has been linked with Burnley and Sheffield United while on international duty at the Copa America, having started both of Canada’s games so far at the tournament.

Millar is capable of playing on both wings, which he showed at Preston and for Canada in recent weeks, and his five goals and five assists at Preston last year showed a glimpse of his capabilities in the Championship. Preston chairman Peter Ridsdale has admitted in the past that there is a disconnect between the player and the club in terms of positional needs and wants, but claims they will have the power to tie him down to a permanent deal over others trying to get him to pass Basel. .

Avoid

After being released by Tottenham earlier this month, free agent Ryan Sessegnon is one of the latest names to be linked with Leeds United this summer, but he must be ruled out. Yes, his versatility could be a huge asset in the Championship, with the 24-year-old able to play anywhere on the left of the pitch, especially with the club’s need for a new left-back, but it’s whether he actually gets on the pitch that is the main issue handy.

Having played just 38 league games for Tottenham since his move from Fulham five years ago, it has been a tough time for what was once one of England’s best rising stars, who has suffered hamstring surgery last season. West Ham and the Cottagers are both said to be interested, meaning it might be better for Leeds to step away from the race and focus on a more secure signing rather than risking some precious funds on an injury-prone full-back . which could end up playing a small part in their promotion hopes.