The summer transfer window may only be a few days old, but Championship clubs have already started to make progress when it comes to key signings. For Leeds United, the situation is a little complex, with accounts needing to be balanced.
Luke Ayling After impressing with eight assists in 19 appearances during his loan spell with Middlesbrough in the second half of last season, Boro have opted to make Luke Ayling’s contract a permanent one upon the end of his contract with Leeds. The 25-year-old spent last season getting used to the Championship on a loan spell at Huddersfield Town, with his seven goals not being enough to help steer the Terriers clear of the drop, but still capturing the attention of Carrick.
Maxime Esteve Perhaps the favourites for automatic promotion alongside Leeds, Burnley announced the first new signing of the season way back in May when they released their retained list. It confirmed that Maxime Esteve’s loan move had officially been made permanent. Believed to have cost around £13million, it is another deal done early for the league winners of 2022/23 who no doubt have their eyes set on repeating the same accolade at Leeds’ expense. Though he didn’t exactly set the Premier League alight with no goals or assists, his 16 appearances add to the experience that the 25-year-old has already earned and may pay dividends in the Championship.