Leeds United will be expecting a busy summer in the transfer market once again, as they look to build a side capable of finishing in the playoff slots following a disappointing 13th-place finish in the 2017/18 campaign.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom will have had a good look at his squad over the past few months and will now have a fair idea of what he needs this summer as he looks to build a team in his own image.
While the club might once again look to bring players in from abroad, just like they did last summer, Leeds should also look at the possibility of signing players from teams that were relegated from the Championship, as the three teams – Barnsley, Burton Albion and Sunderland, could offer some real bargains.
To that end, here are three players that Leeds should consider signing from the relegated Championship clubs.
Tom Bradshaw (Barnsley)
Leeds were rumoured to be interested in the 25-year-old last month and they should definitely follow up on it this summer.
Despite the Tykes getting relegated this season, Bradshaw managed to shine to a large extent, finishing the campaign with 12 goals from 44 appearances across all competitions.
It was current Leeds boss Heckingbottom that first signed him at Barnsley from Walsall in 2016 and the striker was having a solid season under the 40-year old until he switched to Leeds mid-season.
Bradshaw just has a year left on his contract with the Tykes and a chance to return to the Championship and work under a manager who trusts him would definitely appeal to the player.
Lucas Akins (Burton Albion)
The 29-year-old has proved his worth in the second division over the course of the past two seasons with the Brewers at the Pirelli Stadium and the fact that he finished as the club’s Player of the Year highlights that he has plenty to offer at this level.
Akins finished the 2017/18 campaign with 6 goals and 6 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
The Englishman’s biggest drawing card is the versatility he showcased over the course of the season, easily slotting in a number of positions, be it as a right-back, a winger, a central midfielder or even as a forward. Someone with his experience and flexibility could prove to be a handy utility man for the Whites.
Paddy McNair (Sunderland)
In what was an extremely disappointing campaign for the Black Cats, the 23-year-old former Manchester United starlet was one of the few bright spots.
Having come back from a cruciate ligament injury towards the start of the season, McNair went on to make 16 first-team appearances for Sunderland, netting 5 goals in the process, including a goal against Leeds.
The Northern Ireland international is primarily a centre-back but can play as a right-back as well. But in the past season, he was utilised in central midfield by the Wearsiders, where his performances stood out. Young, versatile and filled with potential, the Manchester United academy graduate could be an interesting prospect for the Whites.
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