Leeds United: Replacing prized assets should they depart
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00:00 Just just before we end, can you expect I mean, obviously, I know we've mentioned some of the non so likely to to part.
00:06 Yes, if they were to if they were to move out and move on, I presume, like for like, is that the type of player you'd want to replace in those two?
00:17 Definitely. Yeah. I mean, as I say, it's hard to say what leads need because you can only base that on what leaves really because to be quite honest,
00:26 and this was echoed by David Pratt when I did his column, his latest column, if they go into the squad with this, sorry, into the new season, the same squad they've got,
00:34 then they should go up. They should back themselves to go up really. But then they should have probably gone up this season.
00:38 The only thing is, is that they did have a difficult start to navigate. But ultimately, they just fell away at the end and they just didn't turn up.
00:43 And there's too many games that didn't turn up for but like the playoff final being the main one.
00:47 But on paper, the squad they've got, you know, would be more should be more than good enough to do it.
00:51 But I don't think anybody expects them to have the same squad because I think there will be departures.
00:56 So, I mean, I find it amazing that if one of at least one of Nonto or Somerville didn't go, if not both, and they're both the same position, both wingers basically.
01:06 So that's surely something they're going to have to look at. But it's a bit hypothetical at the moment because obviously, you know, they haven't gone and they might not go.
01:14 But I suspect they probably will. One answer to that is Dan James, you know, because he's a ready-made replacement who was sort of sometimes first choice, sometimes wasn't.
01:23 And then Nonto took over towards the end. But there's going to be a big gap out wide one way or the other, I think.
01:28 So a winger looks like a definite thing to go for. As I said earlier, a creative midfielder. I mean, this goes back to it.
01:35 I mean, this goes back years ago, like, I mean, where we've always said they've never really replaced Pablo Hernandez, you know, in terms of like an attacking number 10.
01:43 But there aren't many Pablo Hernandez's about, that's the truth. So, yeah, but, you know, an attacking midfielder, central, more creative attacking midfielder would probably be a good shot.
01:53 Roden's huge, you know, like centre back. I think if they go out and get Roden permanent, I mean, it's going to be hard because other Premier League clubs are going to look at him, I'm sure of it.
02:03 Then you'd probably think the defence would be pretty sound because you've got Pascal Stroot coming back as well.
02:08 Right back depends on what happens with Archie and Sam Byrom, obviously, because he was only on a one-year deal.
02:14 Left back, obviously, fair play at the end of the season, but is that enough for next season?
02:19 And then obviously every single club needs a real good, solid number nine.
02:24 And it doesn't really feel like Leeds have got one on a week in, week out, consistent basis.
02:30 And that's key. You know, Bamford was brilliant second half of the season, went on a goal spree.
02:36 Obviously, season ended in disappointment with injury. Peru has been hit and missed.
02:40 Sometimes he's been good in that role, sometimes he hasn't.
02:42 But I think it's just natural to think that looking at another number nine would definitely be an option.
02:47 Although, you know, they might well have the answer from within with Matteo Joseph, but time will tell with that.
02:53 But he looks a good player to me, Matteo, every time I've seen him anyway.
02:56 Well, that's the thing, isn't it, of course. Can you keep Bamford fit?
02:59 And let's be honest, the answer this season, especially towards the end, has been no.
03:03 And that's a real issue for Leeds because you've got to have a striker as good as Matteo Joseph has been.
03:09 He's not been given that start yet. So clearly he's not fully trusted to be that replacement.
03:14 Of course, then you've had Joel Perrault, who's, let's be honest, not hit the heights that everyone's hoped of him.
03:18 So I think a striker could also be perhaps a position that they need to strengthen.
03:23 But Lee, that will do it for this week. As I say, we are into the off-season now.
03:29 So not as much things to talk about, but we'll keep going.
03:34 As I say, the transfer window will start to hot up in a few weeks.
03:36 The Euros, of course, too. I think we can mention little bits of that as it comes to get going.
03:42 But until then, Lee, thank you very much as always. We'll see you next season.
03:46 And that is it. Speak to you soon.