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Jermaine Pennant believes Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell could be the key to stability in Leeds’ future

Leeds United’s prospective promotion back to the Premier League has raised key squad-building questions, and Jermaine Pennant believes securing Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon permanently should be a priority.

With the Championship season approaching its climax, Leeds find themselves in prime position for automatic promotion.

Sitting at the top of the table, Daniel Farke’s side have momentum on their side - but with the Premier League on the horizon, discussions about squad-building are already taking shape.

Loan players often pose a dilemma for promotion-chasing clubs: do they form part of a long-term plan, or are they simply short-term fixes?

For former Leeds loanee Jermaine Pennant, there’s no debate. He believes the Whites should secure Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon permanently, arguing that continuity is key for a team making the step up.

Pennant: Leeds must keep Rothwell and Solomon

“100%. Especially when you come into the Premier League, you need as much talent as you can,” Pennant told Football FanCast when asked about the duo. “They’re two great players who have helped Leeds immensely.”

Pennant believes that keeping the core of a successful squad is crucial: “When you get players who have got you promoted, you want to keep that core and then invest around that for players who can adapt and play in the Premier League.”

“So 100% they need to sign players like that,” is his final assessment. “It’s only gonna benefit them if they can.”

A big summer ahead for Leeds

Rothwell, on loan from Bournemouth, has brought composure to Leeds' midfield, offering balance and experience in a high-pressure promotion push.

The 30-year-old has featured in 30 Championship matches this season, including 20 starts, and his four assists highlight his creative influence from deep positions and set pieces.

While his Premier League experience with Bournemouth last season was limited to 11 appearances, he's shown this campaign that he has the technical ability to compete at the highest level.

Solomon, meanwhile, has added attacking flair and creativity, giving Farke's side an extra dimension in the final third.

The Israeli international has enjoyed a particularly productive campaign, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 26 league appearances.

His Premier League pedigree is already established, having netted four goals in 19 appearances during a successful spell with Fulham, before adding two assists in five games for Tottenham last season.

This top-flight experience, combined with his Championship form, makes him an attractive prospect for Leeds' potential Premier League campaign.

Their contributions have been invaluable in the second tier - but the question is whether Leeds see them as part of a long-term Premier League project.

Solomon's impressive goal involvement ratio, averaging a goal contribution every 109 minutes, makes him an especially attractive proposition for a team looking to establish themselves in the top flight, while Rothwell's Premier League experience, albeit limited, could prove valuable in the transition.

With financial considerations, squad planning, and the demands of top-flight football all at play, Leeds