OPINION
As teams get closer to the start of the upcoming campaign, managers are beginning to nail down decisions over their squads – and that is certainly the case at Leeds United.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window, Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping to ramp their business up a notch or two, bringing in some new recruits to bolster the side as well as getting rid of those he deems unworthy of wearing the famous white shirt.
There are a couple of players fans might not be too certain whether they will stay or go before the window comes to a close, but one official reveal has put the writing well and truly on the wall for five of his squad.
The Whites have confirmed on their official Twitter account and website the new squad numbers for the upcoming campaign, and while there are some notable decisions – such as handing Bailey Peacock-Farrell the number one shirt – there are also some significant absences.
? | Ahead of the new #LUFC home shirt going on sale tomorrow, we can today reveal the squad numbers for 2018/19… pic.twitter.com/mqCiPWrped
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 26, 2018
The likes of Eunan O’Kane, Vurnon Anita, Hadi Sacko, Caleb Ekuban and Luke Murphy have all been left without a number for next season, and it does not bode well for them if they were thinking about continuing their careers at Elland Road.
Excluding Murphy, the quintet were all a regular part of the senior squad last season, but it appears they have been deemed surplus to requirements, which after their respective performances, should come as no surprise.
Now it is up to Bielsa to find a club for the five excluded from the number reveal, and be that permanently or on loan, their futures at Elland Road look bleak.