Leeds United have let go of a number of players this summer already, and one of them has interest according to Leeds United News’ latest information.
Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon saw their loans with Leeds United end, Rasmus Kristensen joined Eintracht Frankfurt permanently, while Josuha Guilavogui and Junior Firpo departed as free agents.
Max Wober has since been loaned to Werder Bremen, but there are many more outgoings to come, with as many as eight players allowed to leave Leeds permanently yet this summer.
Although it wasn’t officially confirmed, James Debayo did not sign a new deal with Leeds. Daniel Farke accidentally confirmed Debayo’s departure when discussing his central defensive pool for 2025/26.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty ImagesJames Debayo has EFL interest while Belgian clubs eye the centre-back
Victor Orta signed Debayo for Leeds in 2021, with the youngster arriving from Watford’s academy. Debayo was then part of pre-season plans a year ago under Farke.
He was nowhere to be seen this year, despite the fact he impressed Joe Rodon against Harrogate Town in 2024. Instead, his future remained unclear while the club took to Germany.
Only a month ago, it was stated that Debayo was ‘expected’ to extend his stay at Elland Road following confirmation that Debayo had a contract offer at Leeds on the table for some time.
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Yesterday, there was more of an official announcement that he had been released. The LUFC Youth Twitter/X account outlined that he left the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Now, Leeds United News sources have explained the player’s decision in more detail. It has been explained that the 20-year-old is now in search of more regular first-team opportunities.
Debayo already has some interest from clubs in the EFL, primarily in League Two but some in League One as well. Where the interest is strongest is actually in Belgium currently, albeit the clubs most keen are not known yet.
Leeds are also entitled to a compensation fee after offering Debayo a new contract, given that he is under 23.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesLeeds’ U-21 centre-back options explained
Leeds have high hopes for Charlie Cresswell’s brother, Alfie. Cresswell will play alongside Jonny Howson next season for Leeds’ U-21 team and the pair have already been sighted together in pre-season.
The former Leeds captain played briefly alongside his dad in 2006 and 2007, and he will be vital to the development of a number of players. Howson was more of a box-to-box or attacking midfielder with Leeds, but he has dropped into deeper roles as his career progressed.
Howson has played as a defensive midfielder or centre-back more in the last few years. He will help coach Diogo Monteiro, who remains a part of the squad and a promising talent with plenty of potential.
Reuben Lopata-White is also a part of that squad and looking to kick on. However, the move to bring in Louis Enahoro-Marcus from Liverpool now makes even more sense. He is likely to be the replacement for Debayo next season in the development squad.
There are four first-team players all aged 25 and above this summer, meaning there is a pathway open to a younger fifth-choice in Farke’s ranks.