Skip to content
Three midfielders Leeds could sign on a free; including man with almost 200 PL appearances
Leeds United look set for a huge midfield rebuild this summer with a number of their first team options likely to depart.
Weston McKennie has already returned to Juventus following a disastrous loan spell at Elland Road, while US compatriot Tyler Adams is attracting ample Premier League interest.
Adam Forshaw has been released but is set for talks over a reduced contract, with Marc Roca said to be closing in on a switch to Real Betis.
That leaves Leeds with no real senior options in the middle of the park and so it is an area that could require at least three signings, even with the likes of Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray pushing through.
With that in mind, here is a look at three free agents Leeds could target this summer.
Manuel Lanzini
At 30-years-old, some people may turn their nose up at Manuel Lanzini but don’t forget what age Pablo Hernandez was when he first joined Leeds.
And despite having left two years ago, it is Hernandez who Leeds still haven’t replaced. The midfield has seriously lacked creativity and goal threat since his exit, and Lanzini could be someone who provides exactly that.
Lanzini called time on a seven-year spell at West Ham United this summer and with 32 goals and 28 assists in 226 appearances for the club, he is an ideal candidate to come in and play that number 10 role.
Asier Illaramendi
Again, another player who is into his thirties and becoming a free agent this summer is Asier Illaramendi, having left Real Sociedad.
The former Real Madrid man would bring an abundance of leadership and experience to a currently youthful looking midfield, with almost 300 appearances under his belt in La Liga.
Leeds will be looking to get back to a style of play that is possession-dominant in the Championship this season, and Illaramendi is the perfect anchor in midfield to help do exactly that.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has somewhat lost his way in football over recent seasons but there is no doubting the talent he has in his locker.
The 25-year-old has made it clear throughout his career he wants to play in midfield but at the same time, he could also offer depth at full back, which is where he has predominantly been deployed at his last few clubs.
His technical level is way beyond that of the Championship but there have been question marks over his application over the last few years.
If that can be shaken out of him, he undoubtedly has bags of talent, but it’s whether Leeds would be open to taking the risk.
