What Leeds United’s dream starting line-up could look like on the opening day of the season in August

49ers Enterprises were still in the process of completing the full purchase of Andrea Radrizzani before having to find a replacement for manager Sam Allardyce.

Having missed out on promotion, Leeds will be feeling just as disappointed now as they were after last year’s relegation, but plans are already in place for another promotion.

Leeds know some key players will have to leave to comply with the EFL’s PSR rules, but Paraag Marathe has confirmed funds will be available to spend on Daniel Farke.

The starting XI could look very different to the one that started the play-off final on Sunday, and here’s how it could look in an ideal scenario.

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After another shock end to the season, Illan Meslier is someone Leeds should look to move on this summer. Having signed for £5m three years ago, and considering he is only 24, Meslier is a player to take advantage of.

Leeds were reportedly looking at Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson, but following his move to Stoke City, they will have to look elsewhere for a new number one.

There have been no new links so far, but after a fantastic season on loan at Swansea City, Carl Rushworth on loan from Brighton could be a good one to watch. Only three stoppers have prevented more goals than him in the 2023/24 Championship campaign, according to FotMob.

Defense

With Connor Roberts returning to Burnley and Sam Byram out of contract, right-back is a position Leeds need reinforcements in this summer.

Ben Johnson was a player Leeds were watching in January and is set to be available on a free transfer this summer after rejecting several fresh offers from West Ham. He has no idea.

On the other flank, another potential free agent could come in and do the trick for Leeds with Charlie Taylor, as it is, leaving Burnley. With eight assists, Junior Firpo had a good second half of the season, but it’s hard to see him staying another year in the Championship, especially with just 12 months left on his contract.

At centre-back, Pascal Struijk is due to return as soon as he recovers from the injury that kept him out of Boxing Day. It would be incredible if he can be paired with Joe Rodon, with Leeds still keen to sign him permanently despite missing out on promotion.

Middle

With Struijk fit again, Ampadu simply needs to return to the middle of the park and be handed the captain’s armband permanently.

Although Ampadu has filled in well at the back, his best position is midfield and his reintroduction there will be huge.

Archie Gray is attracting a lot of interest from some of Europe’s elite, but given his links to the club, hopefully Leeds can retain his services and pair him with Ampadu.

Attack

The front four could be the area of ​​the pitch that sees the most changes, with Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto two of the most likely to leave.

Georginio Rutter has also been touted for an exit, but with Leeds paying a club record fee for him, unless someone can match that, there’s no point in letting him go.

Farke had actually planned to use Rutter in a wide role last season, but due to the club’s failure to sign a suitable number 10, it was the 22-year-old who played centrally.

Leeds cannot afford to repeat that mistake again this summer and Callum O’Hare is someone they should look at to fill that role as he prepares to leave Coventry City on a free.

That would allow Rutter to play right, taking away some of the responsibilities that come with playing in the middle.

Amid Liverpool’s interest in Summerville, Leeds should look to use that to their advantage by looking to land Fabio Carvalho in some sort of swap deal. Mateo Joseph then deserves the chance to lead the line.

Dan James and Joel Piroe should be retained as high-quality depth players who can either come off the bench to make an impact or even start at times.

Dream Leeds XI in August: Rushworth; Johnson, Rodon, Struijk, Taylor; Ampadu, Gray; Rutter, O’Hare, Carvalho; JOSEPH

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