Leeds United have been told they must adopt a more ruthless approach in the summer transfer window, according to former defender Stephen Warnock.
Warnock believes the club cannot afford to carry squad players as they prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign. After securing the Championship title last season, Leeds have adapted impressively to life back in the top flight, confirming their survival with three matches to spare and allowing attention to shift towards summer recruitment plans.
The Whites are expected to strengthen the squad again ahead of next season, but that could also mean several difficult decisions regarding current players. Reports have linked the likes of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe with possible exits from Elland Road.
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, Warnock stressed the importance of making firm choices in order to push the club forward.
He explained that some players still have room for improvement, something manager Daniel Farke will constantly be assessing on the training ground. However, Warnock insisted Leeds cannot risk keeping players who are unlikely to make a major impact.
According to the former full-back, Leeds should focus on building a strong core group of around 15 or 16 reliable players rather than maintaining a large squad filled with fringe options who contribute only briefly from the bench.
Bornauw featured in Leedsâ recent victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, but opportunities have been limited during his first Premier League season. Gnonto has largely been used as an impact substitute, while Piroe has struggled for regular minutes.
Uncertainty also surrounds where those players will begin the 2026/27 season. Meanwhile, defender Sam Byram appears increasingly likely to leave the club when his contract expires next month. The experienced defender made only his second league appearance of the campaign after coming on against Brighton on May 17.
Farke recently delivered a candid assessment of the clubâs ambitions moving forward. The Leeds boss admitted he wants to compete for bigger objectives rather than simply fighting relegation and said he must believe fully in the clubâs long-term vision and direction.
