Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Charlie Wilson

Free agents who could save Leeds United millions as Jesse Marsch rebuilds squad

It's set to be a huge summer for Jesse Marsch at Leeds United as he'll know that he has work to do in rebuilding and moulding his squad after the West Yorkshire side avoided relegation on the final day of the season in dramatic fashion, with Jack Harrison scoring in the 94th minute to secure their spot in the top flight.

Leeds United are reportedly set to confirm their first signing of the summer in the coming days, with Red Bull Salsburg's Brendan Aaronson on the verge of a move. The 21-year-old who has played under Jesse Marsch in Austria, will secure a move in the coming days according to the Athletic, with the initial fee is around £25m.

Leeds tried and failed to sign the USA international in January but the Whites were turned away. Now however, it seems that the deal will finally get over the line. And with spending a hefty fee to bring in the young American, Leeds will know that they still have work to do this off-season.

READ MORE: How Brenden Aaronson could fit in

With money already spent, here are a few players who Leeds United could save millions on, as they'll become free agents on July 1.

Here is a list of four players who they could sign without spending a penny on transfer fees.

James Tarkowski

A £25 million target for Liverpool not too long ago, the experienced Premier League centre-back will become a free agent heading into his prime years.

While centre-back is not a position where Leeds need new recruits, Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch have all spent spells on the sidelines in the last year.

Tarkowski has rejected several contract offers at Burnley and looks destined to leave for free. With the ambition of playing for England central to his next move, moving to Elland Road would be an attractive proposition.

The 28-year-old has previously stated his desire to prove his quality in possession, despite impressing in Burnley's more direct style - he'd fit right in under Jesse Marsch.

James Milner

The Leeds-born Liverpool legend James Milner is, at it stands, set to become a free agent on July 1 and could play his last game in the Champions League against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Although now 36 years old, Milner has still played a big part for the Reds this season, starting in a number of important games for the Reds, and is usually one of Jurgen Klopp's most trusted midfielders in tight game situations.

Milner has never hidden his love for Leeds, and could return as a leader, whilst still being able to perform at a high level in Leeds' pressing midfield under Marsch.

Todd Cantwell

A player that has been linked with Leeds before, Todd Cantwell.

His last campaign in the top-flight drew reported interest from Liverpool and as a free agent next summer, he could have a handful of clubs clamouring for his signature.

Cantwell will be 24 by the time a deal could materialise and that makes him the perfect age to progress his career at Elland Road.

The Canaries do reportedly possess an option for an extra year in his contract, which could play a part in determining his short-term future.

Corentin Tolisso

Maybe the most exciting prospects on this list, Bayern Munich's Corentin Tolisso will become a free agent at the age of just 27. The defensive midfielder has played at a high level for a long time, whilst making 27 appearances for France, but has been behind world class players such as Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.

The Frenchman is an explosive holding midfielder with a powerful shot - scoring 11 goals from a deep midfield position in just 72 games for Bayern.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.