Leeds United shirt numbers available for Rodon and transfer targets with Byram move possible

Summer brings with it a revolving door at most football clubs. Leeds United are expected to have another busy transfer window after failing to secure promotion last month.

Another Championship campaign inevitably brings personal ambitions to the surface. There will be players who don’t want to spend another year in the second tier and there will be those who Daniel Farke would prefer to see before August 30.

Some selling will be required and reinforcements will be needed before the big kick off on August 10th. The structure of how the team looks now will be so different by the end of the window.

READ MORE: Leeds United sign fresh deals at Elland Road with fresh talent pictured

We pick the squad numbers available for new signings based on last season’s roster and the likely vacancies that could still arise as this window progresses.

NO.2

Owned by Luke Ayling for nearly eight years, the shirt synonymous with right-backs will finally be put into action this summer. Ironically, Sam Byram was the last person to wear it before Ayling and may be tempted to switch back to it from 25 this summer.

If the 30-year-old doesn’t fancy the move, it would seem logical for Farke to pursue another right-back this summer, and he may well after they’ve signed.

NO.6

Liam Cooper could still decide to sign a new deal with the Whites and keep the shirt he has held for nine years, but an exit on June 30 looks more likely. That would free up an iconic jersey in the ranks, worn by Jason Pearce and Granddi Ngoyi before joining Cooper.

Pascal Struijk, who will be in pole position to take the armband if Cooper leaves, could very well take his shirt as one of the starting centre-backs next term. If not, Leeds seem to need at least one new centre-back this summer.

no.11

It’s Jack Harrison’s if he returns, but of all the loanees set to return, he looks the least likely to play in the Championship next season. LeedsLive understands he is one of two players with loan clauses still active due to the club’s second-tier status.

Brenden Aaronson will be tempted with Joel Piroe taking the seven. If not, would Georginio Rutter or Wilfried Gnonto fancy an upgrade to stay this summer?

no.12

Moving away from the most coveted jersey numbers, 12 has had brief stints on the backs of Tyler Adams and Jaidon Anthony in recent seasons. Laurens De Bock and Marcus Antonsson didn’t get much time with him either.

no.14

Joe Rodon is the man almost every United supporter would like to see again next season after his overdue loan. Diego Llorente won fewer admirers in it before Rodon came. Eddie Nketiah and Samuel Saiz had it before them.

no.15

Another shirt that has been banned for several years will be back on the market this summer. The retirement of Stuart Dallas could see a new owner for the first time since Scott Wootton in 2014/15.

no.17

Like Cooper, Jamie Shackleton could still stick around, but the smart money says he’s starting again in a fresh frame. This shirt didn’t get much love during Massimo Cellino’s tenure as he saw it as bad luck. Well, Helder Costa didn’t see much joy in it when he finally brought it in from the cold.

no.18

Few players can claim to have won this shirt with the same distinction as Raphinha in his first season at Elland Road. He could be available this summer if Darko Gyabi doesn’t stay and fight for his place under Farke.

no.19

Sam Greenwood is another who could yet stick or twist this summer after a loan exit. A shirt forever synonymous with Pablo Hernandez and that sunny afternoon in Swansea.

no.23

Vacant after the departure of Luis Sinisterra, the 23 has had several notable owners in recent years. Kalvin Phillips has taken it all the way to England duty, while Lewis Cook and Robert Snodgrass have previously impressed.

no.26

Lewis Bate was the first long-time occupier, returning to Liam Bridcutt in 2017/18. Available again with the former Chelsea youngster headed for the exit door after his contract expires.

no.27

Alex Mowatt stands out as one of the most attractive wearers of recent times. Neither Ian Poveda, missing his original number seven, nor Amari Miller did anything notable in it.