Leeds United transfer decision on three defenders show scale of summer recruitment task — Leeds Live 20/4/25

Leeds United need at least two new defenders, ideally three, if they do secure promotion back to the Premier League

Which Leeds United players could, should and would play in a potential Premier League season next term have very different answers.

The futures of several stars rest on which division United will be in next year, given the Premier League's financial well. Leeds Live understands no firm transfer or contract decisions will be made until it’s clear which league the club will be in.

While right now that looks to be the top flight, nothing has been decided just yet and there is still time for things to swing. And in any case, the club have long been planning for both end-of-season scenarios.

Draft plans will have been drawn up for differing finances and potential targets. Given that Leeds will have less room for losses within Premier League spending rules - due to their seasons in the Championship - every penny will count.

It means deciding who they think can do a job in the top tier and which areas need bolstering most. The defence is a mixed bag in that regard.

Starting at right-back, Jayden Bogle is perhaps one of a handful of current players throughout the whole starting XI who might be able to retain his place. Having had Premier League experience with Sheffield United, and having shown his talent against most wingers in this division, it might be one starting XI area Leeds can afford to leave be.

The same applied for Joe Rodon, who enjoyed top flight and European football with Tottenham Hotspur. He has been a colossus at the back for United and will be crucial for the Whites upon potential promotion.

Pascal Struijk also has Premier League experience but more questions surround him. Not only has he been beset by long-term injuries over the last two seasons but his general play has also caused concern.

Yes, his aerial presence is unmatched across the whole team and he is someone worth keeping around regardless. But he has been found out at times at this level, often going to try and meet a ball, losing out and leaving a hole for attackers to run into.

That would get punished more clinically in the Premier League. Another robust and esteemed partner for Rodon is required. Ethan Ampadu is needed in midfield and while he has done well in defence in the Championship, he may struggle against elite Premier League attacks.

Max Wober is not being risked in the Championship with Ampadu preferred so it’s hard to see him getting anywhere near playing time in the Premier League. He might be one that gets chopped.

James Debayo, who turns 20 in July, has barely had time to grow and the Premier League will be too big a step for the youngster - a loan deal seems wise for him. And so here underlines the need for a new primary centre-back and a new back-up.

Then there's the left-back conundrum. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are both former Premier League players and are both out of contract this summer.

Byram is the only one to have publicly declared his desire to stay so far. Firpo is being linked with a move to Spain and an exit seems likely if Leeds do not secure promotion. Even if they do, questions will linger.

One of the clubs reportedly interested is Real Betis, his former employers who are pushing for Europe in Spain. It would be a tempting prospect. There’s also the issue of his defensive attentiveness, despite his aerial prowess.

While his tracking forays cannot be denied in the Championship, these will not be utilised as much in the Premier League and fans have noted the holes he sometimes leaves behind when he does venture forward. Some believe United would be better off buying someone new.

But this is where the spending limits come into play. Aside from a wage increase, Firpo would cost nothing to keep hold of yet would not bring any money in for Leeds upon an exit.

Ideally, United need a fresh option at left-back, one who is more defensively astute. But reality says tight budget limits might dictate otherwise.

It’s why Byram might also be handed a short-term deal given his ability to play on either flank. So, not a player who should be starting weekly but someone who could be of use.

Isaac Schmidt might also fall into this category. He has shown his adaptability and his knack to be a utility man in several positions and has done decently.

The Swiss needs to add a touch more strength to his game, having been bullied off the ball on occasion, but United need players who are willing to play rotation and Schmidt might be open to that for another season if it means he becomes a Premier League player.

United could need as many as three new defenders this summer should Firpo leave, and maybe more in an ideal world. But United will not have an ideal situation thanks to the spending limits and will have to make do in some areas.

And this is only the defence, let alone the rest of the squad. It shows the size of the task before the Leeds hierarchy upon promotion if achieved. A revamp of the ranks is necessary to compete.

It could mean the spending of hundreds of millions and the sale of a number of current talents. The £7.7m package agreed for Eintracht Frankfurt for Rasmus Kristensen is a small start to that.

The adage goes that attacks win games and defences win titles. In that case then, Leeds better get their ducks in a row at the back in good time - including the goalkeeper.