After their playoffs defeat, Leeds United will not be joining Sheffield United in the Premier League next season.
For much of the 2018/19 campaign the two Yorkshire rivals were battling it out for automatic promotion. In the end the Blades sealed second place with one match to go.
Leeds had to endure the lottery of the playoffs. And despite ending nine points ahead of them in the table, they were eliminated by Derby County over two legs.
So which of the Whites players could the Blades try and poach to help them in the top flight?
Pontus Jansson
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Under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, much of Leeds’ success this term is down to their defence. Only the Blades and Middlesbrough conceded fewer goals.
Jansson has played a huge role in that with his dominant physical presence at the back. The Sweden international told FourFourTwo he had offers to leave Elland Road last summer, but said he didn’t want to be remembered for the negative things.
Well that certainly wouldn’t be the case now, with Jansson named in the EFL and PFA teams of the year for his performances.
Could playing in the top flight of English football prove tempting?
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Kalvin Phillips
The Blades need recruitment in central midfield. With Paul Coutts being released, they currently only have three natural options in their squad.
Of those, John Fleck and Oliver Norwood certainly look ready to make the step up – yet doubts could remain over John Lundstram and competition is needed.
Phillips has really grown into a top class defensive midfielder. The only issue might be that, as a Leeds boy and academy product, his heart is very much in Elland Road.
Kemar Roofe
Having shown glimpses of his talent since joining from Oxford United in 2016, under Bielsa the forward has really blossomed.
Roofe scored 14 Championship goals in 32 games this season, with the Daily Mirror later reporting that Newcastle United were interested.
Roofe squashed this speculation by telling The Sun’s live transfer blog (31/1; 12.34) that he wanted to stay and get the Whites promoted.
Of course that hasn’t happened, but surely his desire to play in the Premier League remains?
