Leeds United’s summer transfer window plans will be heavily influenced by the outcome of Sunday’s Championship play-off final against Southampton. A win at Wembley would secure promotion to the Premier League, enabling the club to be more ambitious in the transfer market. However, defeat would mean another season in the second tier, potentially leading to key player sales.
Regardless of the outcome, Leeds should explore the free agent market for potential signings. The club has made successful use of this market in recent years, acquiring players like Sam Byram and Joel Robles. Former Leeds target Charlie McNeill has confirmed on Instagram that he will be available on a free transfer this summer, having decided to leave Manchester United.
McNeill was scouted by Leeds in 2020 while still a teenager at Manchester City, but opted to join Manchester United instead. However, his time at Old Trafford has not been successful, with only six minutes of senior football played. At 20 years old, McNeill is in need of regular first-team minutes, which Leeds cannot offer due to his lack of experience.
Leeds have already been linked with other out-of-contract players, including Borussia Dortmund right-back Marius Wolf and West Ham United’s Ben Johnson. Wolf is a realistic option if Leeds achieve promotion, while Johnson is also a target.
The club’s U21 side requires strengthening this summer, given the departure of key players like Archie Gray, Leo Hjelde, and Lewis Bate. While McNeill’s availability may seem appealing, Leeds should avoid making a second move for him. At 20, he needs consistent first-team football, which Leeds cannot provide.
Instead, Leeds should focus on other free agent options or explore the market for players with more experience and potential to make an immediate impact. The club’s transfer plans will be shaped by the outcome of the play-off final, but exploring the free agent market and targeting players with the right experience and quality should be a priority.
In his farewell message on Instagram, McNeill expressed gratitude to Manchester United’s coaches, staff, fans, and everyone involved at the club for his four-year spell. He highlighted winning the FA Youth Cup and making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old as standout moments. McNeill will always cherish the opportunity to play at Old Trafford and thanked the manager for giving him his debut.
Leeds United’s predicted starting lineup for the play-off final against Southampton includes Daniel Farke facing a selection headache. The club’s U21 side needs strengthening, but McNeill is not the right fit. At 20, he requires regular first-team football, which Leeds cannot offer. Instead, the club should explore other free agent options or target players with more experience and potential to make an immediate impact.
In conclusion, Leeds United’s summer transfer window plans will be shaped by the outcome of the play-off final against Southampton. While exploring the free agent market is a good strategy, the club should avoid making a second move for Charlie McNeill. At 20, he needs consistent first-team football, which Leeds cannot provide. Instead, the club should focus on other free agent options or target players with more experience and potential to make an immediate impact.