Leeds United are preparing for their second consecutive season in the Championship after failing to gain promotion this season. Last month, the Whites advanced to the play-off final at Wembley Stadium, but lost 1-0 to Southampton thanks to Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal. Daniel Farke and his team must now negotiate the summer transfer market, which officially opened on Friday, to finish with a squad capable of battling for promotion once more. It has previously been claimed that the Yorkshire-based team are unlikely to bring Connor Roberts back from Burnley, as the newly relegated side may not want to bolster a rival, and Alfie Gilchrist from Chelsea has been linked.
Leeds United’s interest in Championship stars According to Leeds Live, the Whites are considering a move for Sunderland right-back Trai Hume, as Farke appears to be interested in signing the defender. According to the source, the Northern Ireland international is a potential transfer target for the club this summer as they want to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2024/25 season. Archie Gray, a central midfielder, has spent the whole of the season deputising at right-back and might return to his preferred position if Leeds can sign Hume or another full-back in the coming weeks or months.
Why Hume might be a decent Roberts alternative. With a second agreement for Roberts considered doubtful, Hume could be signed up as an excellent replacement for the Wales international ahead of next season. The £3k-per-week defender, who was once regarded as “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, is a proven Championship performer who may make an immediate impact at Elland Road. Roberts only started two league games for Leeds in the second half of this season, although he did feature regularly in the division for Burnley during the 2022/23 campaign as they won the title. As shown in the table above, Hume’s performances on the pitch for the Black Cats this season were more outstanding.