What Leeds United players have said so far about the play-off final and being here next season

Having failed to achieve their goal of returning to the Premier League, the Leeds squad now look set to part ways ahead of the new season in August.

49ers Enterprises know some key players will have to leave as they look to ensure they stay within the EFL’s PSR constraints.

However, Paraag Marathe insisted there will be funds available for replacements, while Red Bull’s lucrative sponsorship deal should also help when it comes to retaining some of their key men.

What the Leeds players said about the play-offs and next season

So far, only a handful of players have broken their silence on the Wembley defeat.

Some players like to express their disappointment in different ways, though, and fans shouldn’t read too much into not posting that they don’t care.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the first to post a message to supporters on social media was former club captain Liam Cooper, who took just days to do so.

Cooper appears to have played his last game for the club and so left his short but sweet message on Instagram. He said: “Proud of our club. We will come again.”

Connor Roberts then followed shortly after as he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Leeds while also confirming his departure.

He said: “The eye of football… Obviously I’m so disappointed that we didn’t achieve what we all wanted, but honestly what a huge privilege it’s been to play just a handful of games and be involved in this incredible football club.

“A priceless experience and something I will remember forever! Thanks for the spectacular support, ladies and gentlemen!”

Jaidon Anthony, Mateo Joseph, Georginio Rutter, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James have also addressed fans in the past week, with some surely dropping some big hints about where their futures lie.

Anthony was first: “An honor to wear this shirt! No secret, this has been the hardest year of my life, but your support helped me! Not the ending any of us wanted, but we met some amazing people and made some special memories playing for this club! Thank you Leeds fans, you are something special.”

Iosif was not long after: “Avoid we were so close to getting the club back into the Premier League. This team and these fans deserved more. But thank you for all your support and experiences this season. Time to rest and come back stronger.”

The posts of Rutter, Ampadu and James have certainly encouraged fans ahead of next season, with all three indicating they will remain at Elland Road.

Rutter said: “Hello Leeds fans, it’s been a few days but just as disappointing, the target has not been achieved despite a superb season where every single one of us gave it our all. Thank you for your support throughout the year, see you soon. ITV.”

Ampadu added: “We will be back. I can’t wait to wrap it up like this, but thank you so much for all your support this season. See you next season.”

James was the latest: “He didn’t make it to the last hurdle after a difficult season. A big thank you to the Leeds United family this year for their constant support. We will come back.”

What have we learned about who could stay at Leeds?

Based on the posts so far, it is certain that neither Roberts nor Anthony will be returning permanently after their respective loans at Burnley and Bournemouth.

With Cooper leaving it short and sweet, that still leaves an element of uncertainty surrounding his future, but all reports indicate he will be leaving at the end of his contract.

There was never any doubt whether Joseph would stay or go and hopefully he will get more playing time next season.

But the good news certainly comes through the posts of Rutter, Ampadu and James, all three referencing the upcoming season. What a boost that would be.

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