Leeds United have provided a clearer picture of their squad as they published their retained list on Friday, just ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
With significant changes expected, the club confirmed the departure of several players, including Luke Ayling, Charlie Allen, and Lewis Bate, while negotiations are ongoing with club captain Liam Cooper.
The retained list also sheds light on the return of last summer’s loan exits and the departure of temporary arrivals like Joe Rodon and Jaidon Anthony.
Consequently, the squad reporting for pre-season will look markedly different from the one that left Wembley defeated on May 26. Below, we take a closer look at the current 2024/25 squad as it stands, though further changes are anticipated.
- GK: Illan Meslier
Still has two years remaining on his contract and has been named in reports as a potential transfer target for some Premier League teams. - GK: Karl Darlow
Expected to remain a capable backup with two years left on his deal. - GK: Kristoffer Klaesson
Will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer. - DEF: Sam Byram
The 30-year-old activated a one-year extension in his contract after making a certain number of appearances, ensuring some much-needed experience remains. - DEF: Cody Drameh
Spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and is expected to leave permanently. Leeds have offered him a new contract to receive compensation when he finds a new club, but remains a Whites player for now. - DEF: Rasmus Kristensen
His season-long spell with Roma has not gone as planned, so he will likely return to Leeds this summer. Contracted until 2027. - DEF: Pascal Struijk
Hopes to play a central role throughout next season, having been out since December. Contracted until 2027. - DEF: Charlie Cresswell
Has three years remaining on his contract but grew frustrated over lack of minutes this season and could look to leave. - DEF: Liam Cooper
The retained list confirmed little regarding Cooper, who is still in talks over the possibility of a new deal. He will celebrate 10 years at the club in August if he stays but will have to accept another year of limited minutes. - DEF: Diego Llorente
Has two years remaining on his Leeds contract but, unlike Kristensen, could return to Roma after impressing. Reports regarding an obligation to buy have been conflicting. - DEF: Max Wober
Due to return from Borussia Monchengladbach as it stands, after forcing a loan exit last summer. Contracted at Elland Road until 2027 but reports suggest talks over a permanent deal. - DEF: Junior Firpo
Enjoyed his best period at Leeds over the past season. Will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer but is expected to stay, with a decision on his future being delayed until next year. - MID: Ethan Ampadu
One of the first to reflect on the past season publicly and no suggestions he will leave this summer. Penned a four-year deal 12 months ago. - MID: Ilia Gruev
Recent reports claim interest from several Bundesliga clubs, including Borussia Dortmund. Contracted at Leeds until 2027 and well-liked by Daniel Farke. - MID: Jamie Shackleton
Made just seven Championship starts but talks are ongoing over an extension. It remains to be seen whether he’ll accept or find more regular football elsewhere. - MID: Glen Kamara
Like Ampadu and Gruev, the Finnish international penned a four-year deal last summer. - MID: Archie Gray
Receiving plenty of transfer interest but signed a new long-term deal earlier this season, tying him down until 2028. - MID: Marc Roca
Reports suggest a loan extension at Real Betis, but nothing confirmed as of yet, so he returns for now. Still has two years remaining on his deal at Elland Road. - MID: Darko Gyabi
Returned early from a loan spell at Plymouth due to injury. Contracted until 2026. - MID: Brenden Aaronson
Returning from a loan spell at Union Berlin as things stand. Contracted until 2027 but could leave again this summer. - FWD: Sam Greenwood
Middlesbrough are not expected to activate a £1.5 million permanent clause, so the 22-year-old will be back at Leeds for the time being. - FWD: Crysencio Summerville
Two years remaining on his deal but widely expected to leave, having attracted interest from top Premier League clubs. - FWD: Daniel James
Enjoyed his best season at Leeds and endeared himself to supporters. Contracted until 2026. - FWD: Jack Harrison
Returning from his loan spell at Everton. The Toffees have confirmed talks are ongoing, although whether over a loan extension or permanent signing remains to be seen. Contracted until 2028. - FWD: Wilfried Gnonto
Expected to attract Premier League interest again this summer and could be sold. Still has three years left on his deal. - FWD: Georginio Rutter
Along with Gray, one of the players supporters are desperate to keep. Still has four years remaining on his contract, positioning Leeds well. - FWD: Joel Piroe
Penned a four-year deal last summer and will hope for a much-improved individual season. - FWD: Patrick Bamford
Still has two years remaining on his contract and needs to stay fit for the majority of next season. - FWD: Joe Gelhardt
Three years left on his deal but played fewer league minutes than Djed Spence. Could feasibly leave this summer, whether on loan or permanently. - FWD: Mateo Joseph
Hopes for more involvement after an exciting but limited breakthrough season. Contracted until 2028. - FWD: Sonny Perkins
Loan spell at Oxford United didn’t work out at all. Will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer.
The Leeds United squad for the 2024/25 season is undergoing significant changes, with the retained list providing a glimpse of what to expect. As the transfer window opens, the club will be busy making further adjustments to prepare for the upcoming season. The return of loanees and the departure of several players will reshape the squad, aiming to address weaknesses and build on strengths for a more successful campaign ahead.