Eight realistic summer signings who would take Leeds United straight back to the Premier League

Free transfers, loan additions and big money signings are amongst a list of eight players Leeds United could sign following relegation from the Premier League.
By Mark Carruthers
Published 29th May 2023, 19:30 GMT
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Sunday’s home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the Whites three-year stay in the top tier had come to an end after a season of poor decisions, self-inflicted blows led to relegation and understable anger from supporters.

A new manager is required after Sam Allardyce’s short-term deal came to a close and a new director of football will need to be found ahead of the Championship season. Yet it is the uncertainty over the figures at the top end of the Elland Road hierachy that is causing the greatest concern.

With questions over a planned takeover at Elland Road still being asked, it remains to be seen how Leeds will look on and off the pitch come day one of the new season. But big decisions over the makeup of their squad lie in wait, no matter who is in the home dugout when the campaign gets underway. New additions must also be found and 3AddedMinutes had identified eight possible signings that could help the Whites bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

Viktor Gyokeres - Coventry City

Has been the jewel in the row for Coventry this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists, as there weren't many eyebrows raised when he took his place in the Championship Team of the Year. A massive threat to opposition defences, with 2.9 shots per game, plus 2.1 dribbles and 1.8 key passes too. Must be handled and handled well by Luton's stand-out defender Lockyer.Has been the jewel in the row for Coventry this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists, as there weren't many eyebrows raised when he took his place in the Championship Team of the Year. A massive threat to opposition defences, with 2.9 shots per game, plus 2.1 dribbles and 1.8 key passes too. Must be handled and handled well by Luton's stand-out defender Lockyer.
Has been the jewel in the row for Coventry this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists, as there weren't many eyebrows raised when he took his place in the Championship Team of the Year. A massive threat to opposition defences, with 2.9 shots per game, plus 2.1 dribbles and 1.8 key passes too. Must be handled and handled well by Luton's stand-out defender Lockyer.

This would be a highly ambitious and costly move but it is one that would be viewed as a signal of intent from the Whites. Gyokeres has his admirers within the Elland Road setup and any hopes over securing his signature could well have been ended if Coventry had secured promotion into the Premier League. It does seem likely the Swede will make a move into the top tier at some point in his career after he scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions during the season.

James McAtee - Manchester City

The talented midfielder has enjoyed a highly promising season in the Championship after helping loan club Sheffield United to promotion back into the Premier League. He has now returned to Manchester City and Pep Guardiola now faces a big decision over the England Under-21 star’s future. The Blades are reportedly keen to take him back to Bramall Lane on loan and hand him a chance to shine in the top tier - and Leeds would be foolish to not at least try and persuade the Premier League champions to allow McAtee to spend the season trying to help them return at the first time of asking.

Callum Doyle - Manchester City

Another City youngster that has impressed in the Championship this season, defender Doyle made 46 appearances for Coventry City as he built on a similarly impressive loan stint at Sunderland last season. Cool and classy on the ball, Doyle is another possible loan addition for the Whites as Guardiola decides what to do with the youngster ahead of the new Premier League season.

Tom Cairney - Fulham

WhoScored rating: 8.70WhoScored rating: 8.70
WhoScored rating: 8.70

Proven class in the Championship and has shown his ability in the top tier, Cottagers midfielder Cairney would more than likely be a costly addition - although the fact he is about to enter the final year of his current deal at Craven Cottage could work in the Whites favour. The former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers star made just 10 starts in all competitions during last season and could well welcome a chance to reignite his career away from west London.

Ross Stewart - Sunderland

Several clubs have been tracking the striker, who is approaching the final 12 months of his Sunderland contract. Stewart’s season-ending injury may cool interest from elsewhere, though, as the 26-year-old targets a pre-season return.Several clubs have been tracking the striker, who is approaching the final 12 months of his Sunderland contract. Stewart’s season-ending injury may cool interest from elsewhere, though, as the 26-year-old targets a pre-season return.
Several clubs have been tracking the striker, who is approaching the final 12 months of his Sunderland contract. Stewart’s season-ending injury may cool interest from elsewhere, though, as the 26-year-old targets a pre-season return.

The powerful striker is still making his way back to fitness after an achillies injury cut short what looked like a highly promising season with the Black Cats. Stewart had plundered his way to 11 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions and a return of three assists meant he was averaging almost a goal involvement in every game. The Scotland international is out of contract this summer and would be a shrewd addtion to the Leed squad.

Charlie Patino - Blackpool

Another talented Premier League teen, Patino is now back at Arsenal after showing flashes of his unquestionable potential during a loan spell at Blackpool last season. Three goals and four assists in 37 appearances in all competitions may not seem an impressive return, especially considering the Tangerines were relegated into League One, but Patino has shown the ability that has made him much admired within the Gunners setup - and he could be a useful addition for the Whites ahead of their return to the Championship.

Jamaal Lascelles - Newcastle United

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The Magpies stalwart has spent the majority of the season watching on from the sidelines as Fabian Schar and Sven Botman established themselves as Eddie Howe’s preferred partnership at the heart of his defence. Few could argue as the duo helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League - but it has led to speculation over Lascelles future at St James Park. He will enter the final year of his current deal next month and there has been speculation he could depart from Tyneside - and his leadership skills would be perfect for the Whites ahead of their push for a return to the top tier.

Ryan Kent - Rangers

A free transfer option and a player that has been linked with a move to Elland Road in the recent past. Kent has helped Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup during his time at Ibrox but he is set to depart when his contract comes to an end next month. There has been talk of a move to Turkish giants Fenerbache in recent weeks, but as it stands he is still available and his creativity could add something to the Whites squad.

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