A second season of Championship football led to a large amount of turnover in Leeds United’s squad in the summer.
In total, Leeds brought in eight new signings to replace the 21 that departed Elland Road, in what was a window of shifting plenty of deadwood, and losing key men.
Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter were all vital to Leeds‘ success last season but have since moved onto the Premier League, helping bring in over £100 million in sales.
Only a fraction of that has been spent to rebuild the squad but additions such as Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka look like they will have Leeds back challenging again.
With that in mind, here is how Leeds’ starting XI against Hull City on Saturday compares to that of exactly 12 months ago, in the 0-0 draw to Sheffield Wednesday.
Starting XI vs Sheffield Wednesday (September 2023)
Illan Meslier: £5 million
Luke Ayling: £200k
Joe Rodon: Loan
Pascal Struijk: Free
Jamie Shackleton: Academy
Ethan Ampadu: £7 million
Archie Gray: Academy
Crysencio Summerville: £1.3 million
Joel Piroe: £10.5 million
Wilfried Gnonto: £3.8 million
Georginio Rutter: £25 million (initial fee)
Total cost: £52.8 million
Starting XI vs Hull City (On Saturday)
Illan Meslier: £5 million
Jayden Bogle: £5 million
Joe Rodon: £10 million
Pascal Struijk: Free
Junior Firpo: £12 million
Ethan Ampadu: £7 million
Ilia Gruev: £5 million
Manor Solomon: Loan
Brenden Aaronson: £25 million
Wilfried Gnonto: £3.8 million
Mateo Joseph: £900k
Total cost: £73.7 million
Leeds’ starting XI vs Hull City costs £20.9 million more
It is actually really surprising to see the starting line-up against the Tigers costing more than a year ago considering the wealth of talent lost in the summer.
Having said that, it shows what a good job Leeds have done in the last 12 months helping develop both Gray and Summerville into the players they are today after costing so little.
With six changes, it also shows just how quickly things can change in the Championship after failing to get promoted, as Premier League clubs can swoop at any time when there is success that doesn’t lead anywhere.
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