Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players Leeds Should Keep & Offload This Summer

Finally, after a 16 year absence, Leeds United are back in the Premier League.

After coming so close in recent seasons before imploding in the final few games (aka Leedsing it right up, doing a Leeds, or being proper Leedsy) this year they finished the season strongly and were deservedly promoted back into the top flight.

Under the guidance of experienced manager Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds fans will be hoping for more than just a relegation scrap as they seek to cement their place in the top flight. They have a host of exciting talent and the Leeds supporters are no doubt counting down the minutes until they see their side back in the Premier League.

Here, 90min assesses who should be joining them on their journey.

1. Goalkeepers

Illan Meslier has signed a permanent deal / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Kiko Casilla (STAY) - The former Real Madrid player enjoyed a strong season between the sticks for Leeds, making 36 appearances and keeping 15 clean sheets. With experience already playing at a top-level, he will be confident of making the step up to the Premier League.

Illan Meslier (STAY) - The young Frenchman seized his opportunity when it was granted to him, making ten starts in the final weeks he kept an impressive seven clean sheets. Now with Leeds permanently following a loan spell, he will be looking to challenge for the number one position.

2. Full-Backs

Ayling has been one of Leeds standout performers / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Luke Ayling (STAY) - The full-back was tremendous during the 2019/20 campaign and goes from strength to strength under the tutelage of Bielsa. Chipping in with four goals and four assists, Premier League sides will have to be aware of his threat going forward.

Barry Douglas (GO) - Barely saw any action and will likely see even less next year. Time to go.

Ezgjan Alioski (STAY) - The versatile North Macedonian might not be starting for Leeds next year but can be an important squad player as he can play a number of positions. His five goals and five assists aren't a bad return either.

Stuart Dallas (STAY) - The Northern Ireland international has been a mainstay in Leeds' defence. A key player for the Whites, expect him to be around next season.

Leif Davies (LOAN) - The young left-back only played 12 minutes of Championship football last year. He should seek a loan elsewhere to gain valuable minutes.

3. Centre Backs

It seems Ben White won't be returning to Elland Road / Athena Pictures/Getty Images

Liam Cooper (STAY) - The Leeds captain excelled, forming a formidable partnership with Brighton loanee Ben White. While he may be without his partner next year, he's given every indicator that he can make the cut a level above.

Gaetano Berardi (STAY) - The defender hasn't been a standout performer for Leeds but with the club already needing to sign a centre-back to replace White, he must stick around.

4. Midfielders

The English midfielder has attracted interest elsewhere / George Wood/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips (STAY) - A player far too good for the Championship. He'll be hoping to impress in his debut Premier League season as he continues to be linked to a host of top clubs.

Adam Forshaw (STAY) - Desperately unlucky with injury last season. While he might find game time difficult as he continues to recover, his Premier League experience with Middlesbrough could prove a valuable asset to his team.

Mateusz Klich (STAY) - The Poland international has been an important player for Leeds, a mainstay in the centre of the pitch he's chipped in with six goals and eight assists.

Jamie Shackleton (LOAN) - The young midfielder has struggled for minutes and is less likely to be trusted in a tougher division. He would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.

Jordan Stevens (LOAN) - Has barely featured and like Shackleton, would benefit from regular game time elsewhere.

Pablo Hernandez (STAY) - The veteran Spaniard was brilliant for Leeds last season, scoring nine goals and providing another nine. While age isn't on his side, he deserves another season in the Prem.

5. Wingers

The winger has signed for Leeds on a permanent deal / Athena Pictures/Getty Images

Jack Harrison (STAY) - The on-loan Manchester City winger has impressed greatly, scoring six times and setting up eight for his teammates. Already confirmed to be staying put.

Helder Costa (STAY) - Having just signed a permanent deal for the Whites, Costa will be playing at Elland Road once again next season. The tricky winger will look to improve his output next season, after scoring just four times during 19/20.

Ian Poveda (STAY) - The young winger is yet to make a significant impact since joining from Manchester City, but has had little opportunity. Will look to scrap for a first team place before seeking a loan move away if things aren't working out.

6. Strikers

Bamford will be looking to prove his doubters wrong / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Patrick Bamford (STAY) - After once again excelling in the Championship, Bamford will be hoping that this time around he can bring his form to the Premier League. With just one goal in 27 appearances in the top flight so far, he'll be looking to improve that ordinary record.

Tyler Roberts (STAY) - Will have to settle for a bit-part role but the 21-year-old is worth keeping around, particularly as reinforcements are required before a loan can be discussed.