Three players who might leave Leeds United following their relegation

Leeds United’s stay in the Premier League after 19 years of long hiatus has come to an end with their relegation in the 2022/23 season. They might lose some of their prominent players

Leeds United got promoted to the English top flight ahead of the 2020/21 season and their stay has been cut short to three seasons. They finished ninth in their first season but in the second season, they failed to carry the momentum and barely escaped relegation with a win on the final day. However, they could not repeat the heroics in the 2022/23 season.

The final-day performance of Leeds United against Europe-chasing Tottenham Hotspur summed up the Whites’ season. They lost 4-1 to the North London outfit without putting up a fight. The attack and defense also let down Leeds United in the 2022/23 season. They recorded a 68.58 xGA, second most in the league, and ended up conceding 78 goals in the entire season. Furthermore, the team endured a significant setback by dropping 25 points from winning positions, highlighting their inability to close out matches successfully.

The managerial changes within the club also contributed to their downfall. Throughout their worst Premier League season since their promotion, Leeds United underwent a tumultuous period, going through four different managers: Jesse Marsch, Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce. This constant shuffle of leadership proved detrimental to the team’s stability and overall performance on the pitch.

The drop from the Premier League is all set to open a can of worms at Elland Road. As the transfer window looms, a considerable number of players are rumored to be considering new destinations.

Top three players who might leave Leeds United

#3) Tyler Adams

Market Value: €20 million

Leeds United secured the services of a promising defensive midfielder in the form of a 24-year-old who arrived from RB Leipzig for a fee of €17 million. His absence in the final matches due to a hamstring injury underscored just how much he was missed by the Elland Road outfit.

Throughout the 2022/23 season, he started 24 games, showcasing his passing abilities with an average of 46.2 passes per game and an impressive success rate of 82.5%. Additionally, he contributed with one key pass per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Defensively, he proved his worth as a formidable midfielder, registering 1.46 interceptions and 3.21 tackles per game. As several teams seek cost-effective yet quality defensive midfield options, all eyes will be on Tyler Adams as a player to watch in the transfer market.

(Stats via fbref)

#2) Willy Gnonto

Market Value: €18 million

Leeds United secured the services of a highly talented 19-year-old Italian international from FC Zurich, sealing the deal for a fee of €4.5 million. The young player quickly caught the attention with his impressive goal-scoring abilities, particularly his eye-catching volley reminiscent of Paolo Di Canio against Cardiff City, which made headlines.

Throughout the season, he contributed to 6 goals and assists in the Premier League, including two goals in the FA Cup. Notably, he surpassed expectations by overperforming his xG by 0.2 in the top flight. Possessing versatility in the attacking positions, the gifted forward excelled with 1.47 key passes per 90 minutes and 1.27 passes leading to the penalty area per game. Consequently, his performances have attracted significant interest from potential buyers in England and Italy, eager to secure his services.

(Stats via fbref)

#1) Illian Meslier 

Market Value: €22 million

The French goalkeeper had a difficult season in the English Premier League, resulting in him being benched for the final four games under Sam Allardyce’s management at Elland Road. Conceding 67 goals in 34 appearances, with an average of 1.97 goals per game, the shot-stopper faced a challenging campaign. However, he provided some consolation by making 90 saves out of 158 shots on target.

At 21 years old, he displayed his passing abilities and sweeping capabilities, averaging 1.94 defensive actions outside the penalty area per 90 minutes. Furthermore, he notably reduced his errors leading to goals, making him an attractive option for mid-table Premier League clubs compared to the previous season.

(Stats via fbref)