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da heads bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds have done some magnificent work in tying players down to new contracts recently.
The biggest coup was getting Kalvin Phillips to extend his stay for another five years.
He was linked with three Premier League clubs over the summer in a period where it looked as though he could depart Elland Road.
The midfielder is one of a number of players to agree to new terms as Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper were also signed on.
Also in line for potential contract renewals are Mateusz Klich and Luke Ayling according to Leeds Live, but with some of these deals – in particular Ayling – are Leeds preparing themselves for a worst-case scenario?
It’s quite possible.
Appearing on the Inside Elland Road podcast this week, Graham Smyth said the following:
“Luke Ayling is another that’s close to a deal. Are Leeds protecting themselves from the potential departure of Marcelo Bielsa or protecting themselves from what would be a major rebuild?”
Indeed this could well be the case.
Marcelo Bielsa signed a new deal back in May, something that may have come as a surprise given his pedigree and the fact Leeds didn’t go up.
But if the Whites again fail in their quest for promotion, the Argentine could be out of the door.
Contingency plans have to be in place for this and if they don’t reach the Premier League and Bielsa leaves, it would certainly leave a major rebuild being needed in west Yorkshire.
But by securing the services of Ayling, who is now 28, it could help to protect themselves.
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The right-back isn’t out of contract until 2021 but if he agrees to new terms, that would mean Leeds have two players in that position tied down for the foreseeable future.
If the Premier League is on the cards it seems questionable when arguably upgrades would be needed to the squad.
It could leave Leeds having to clear players out like they did last summer but it could also be a smart play. The ambition is clearly there for a return to the top-flight but there is a possibility it may not happen.
Thinking about how they can still remain competitive in the Championship will be key if their current season doesn’t pan out as planned and Bielsa leaves.
After all, Ayling featured 40 times in the Championship last term so he’s clearly a key man.