Five Leeds United players who could stay even if the Whites are relegated

There’s a very real chance that Leeds United will be relegated from the Premier League.

The Whites are in a very precarious position right now and with the new manager bounce under Jesse Marsch not taking effect, Leeds could very well be playing Championship football next season.

If this team does go down, one has to imagine that the squad will be picked apart. The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha, Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier would likely all be on their way, but there are some players who would likely stay with the Whites.

With that in mind, we’re going to look at five players who could stick around at Elland Road even if Leeds are relegated.

Liam Cooper

Club captain Liam Cooper has been loyal to Leeds for a number of years, and at the age of 30, it’s hard to imagine him leaving upon relegation.

He’s not lit up the Premier League, so there aren’t many clubs who will be looking to bring him in, and with his contract expiring in 2024, he’s not a player Leeds will be desperate to cash-in on either.

Cooper will likely remain as Leeds’ leader even if they go down.

Luke Ayling

The right-back was listed as one of Leeds’ biggest characters alongside Liam Cooper in Jesse Marsch’s first press conference.

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Ayling has been impressive in the Premier League, but his age does work against him. He’ll be 31 this summer, and it’s hard to see another top-flight side taking a punt on the defender who has spent the majority of his career in the second-tier.

Ayling would likely stay at Leeds upon relegation.

Joe Gelhardt

The shining beacon of hope in Leeds’ season, Joe Gelhardt could be a key player for Leeds if they were relegated.

The youngster is contracted until 2024, and with the Whites giving him his big break, the promise of more first-team football next season should see the striker remain loyal to the Yorkshire outfit.

Mateusz Klich

Another ageing star. Mateusz Klich will be 32 this summer, and while he’s a fantastic player, Premier League sides don’t like signing players of his profile.

Klich has been the lynchpin in Leeds’ midfield for a number of years now, and it’s unlikely that he’ll want to jump ship if the Whites return to the Championship.

Tyler Roberts

Tyler Roberts may not be the most popular Leeds player in the squad right now, but if Leeds go down, he’ll surely be staying at the club.

Roberts hasn’t been great in the Premier League, so a transfer back to the top-flight isn’t likely, while he was a favourite of Marcelo Bielsa’s and he also came off the bench in Jesse Marsch’s first game against Leicester before being injured, indicating that the Welshman has caught the American’s eye.

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