Leeds United have several players out on loan at the moment, with mixed performances so far as United look for transfer windfalls across the board.
When Leeds survived relegation from the Premier League last season, the summer saw more movement for players on the fringes.
Frustratingly, the Whites couldn’t secure major outgoings for a number of players deemed surplus to requirements. So, loans were sanctioned into the EFL and abroad.
Here, we look at every player that’s out on loan, how they’re doing, and what I think the likelihood is of Leeds receiving transfer fees. There’s around £53million in permanent fees Leeds could receive…
Largie Ramazani – Burnley
Up first, arguably the best performer of the lot is Largie Ramazani, currently on loan at Burnley.
A quick glance at Burnley’s league position and most recent result – a 5-4 loss at Cardiff City having been 1-4 up – would have you thinking it’s going terribly for Ramazani.
However, his individual form can’t really be faulted. In that 5-4 loss, Ramazani scored another stunning goal to take his tally for the season to four goals and one assist in 12 appearances.
The Clarets are five adrift of safety with bitter rivals, in-form Blackburn Rovers up after the break.
However, Burnley aren’t in a position to duck paying for Ramazani at the moment. Their permanent £6.5million deal plus add-ons is triggered based on an “achievable” appearance clause.
The Turf Moor club simply have to play Ramazani as much as possible. It’s a matter of time before he activates that purchase clause.
Transfer likelihood: Very likely.
Lucas Perri – Torino
Lucas Perri’s start to life in the Serie A with Torino wasn’t ideal, at fault for a handful of goals.
But, the 28-year-old has started to settle in much better in Turin, to the point where he’s been recognised for international duty by Carlo Ancelotti.
With Alisson Becker left at home, Ancelotti fancied exploring other options, and he’s brought Perri in for a rare opportunity. In turn, it outlines how he’s managed to improve his position in Italy since he moved there on loan.
Like we saw from Perri last season, there has been struggles with the ball at his feet and some goals he definitely should save. Although, there are also some marvellous saves in there too that could boost his confidence a great deal.
At £12million, it’s not a certainty whatsoever that Torino make his move permanent. A steady continuation of what he’s been building in the past month or so might make this more likely.
Transfer likelihood: Hard to say.
Willy Gnonto – Fiorentina
Staying in the Serie A, Willy Gnonto’s loan move to Fiorentina has been a slow burner to say the least.
He was the final part of what was an incredibly busy summer in Florence. Since, the winger has been forced to bide his time out wide with two other summer arrivals getting the nod. Alieu Njie and Franco Mastantuono have been starting more often than not, meaning Gnonto hasn’t made a single league start yet.
From his limited appearances off the bench, he’s impressed the Italian media it seems. So, there’s definitely life in it and we’re only in November, but I’m not expecting a permanent deal at £18million.
Transfer likelihood: Not likely at the moment.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – Hamburg
It looks as though Sebastiaan Bornauw’s short time in West Yorkshire was over from the moment Leeds spent £8.5million to sign Nico Elvedi.
He moved to Hamburg in the Bundesliga and has been a mainstay in their efforts to avoid relegation from the top flight.
With six league starts under his belt, HSV sit 11th in the table after a crucial win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.
Hamburg can purchase Bornauw for a fee of up to £4.18million. It’s not a big fee by any stretch, and his regular starts suggest HSV are happy with his progress.
Transfer likelihood: Fairly likely.
Joel Piroe – West Ham
Dropping back into the Championship, we all expected that Joel Piroe would fly at West Ham. He’s gone into what is clearly the strongest starting XI and squad in the league by some distance. You’d expect chances galore as a result.
It’s been far from smooth sailing, though. Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked and promptly replaced by Scott Parker, who has one point from two games so far, conceding five in that time.
Most recently, Piroe ended his goal drought to halve the deficit against Blackburn Rovers, but it wasn’t enough to restore parity.
For Leeds, we need to hope Parker can mastermind another promotion with a Championship super-team. Piroe’s £8million permanent move (£12million total package) hinges on the Irons claiming promotion back to the top flight.
Transfer likelihood: West Ham need to get their act together.
Harry Gray – Sheffield Wednesday
A different type of loan next in Harry Gray.
After suffering relegation in a truly woeful Rotherham United side, Leeds sent Gray to the other end of League One with Sheffield Wednesday in the summer.
It’s been a mixed start for the Owls in the third tier. They’re only six points off the automatic promotion places with a game in hand, but they sacked manager Henrik Pedersen.
He’s been replaced by Dave Challinor. Gray will hope the change in formation helps him play in a role that best suits his talents.
This loan is purely for development, though. Wednesday, nor any other club, will be buying him next summer. The only focus is looking to see how he progresses into a first-team-ready player.
Transfer likelihood: Ain’t happening.
Charlie Crew – Walsall
Charlie Crew’s previous loan spells have been really up and down in the EFL. He went to Doncaster Rovers in 24/25, helping them to the League Two title, to then join them in League One where he was barely used.
Being brought into Wales camps every now and then didn’t helped his consistency either, and no real surprise that he’s ended up back in League Two this season with promotion-hopefuls Walsall.
He’s been a fairly regular part of Lee Grant’s side, who currently sit in the automatic promotion places in League Two.
Like Gray, Leeds will view this as a development loan. However, the 20-year-old is no closer to breaking into Leeds’ squad than he was when he made his debut two years ago.
Transfer likelihood: Very unlikely.
