Good Morning. It's Thursday 9th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road. Minamino move could be imminent Leeds face competition from Southampton, Fulham, Wolves and Monaco for the signature of attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino. The Japanese International, 27yo is expected to leave Anfield imminently after Liverpool finally named their asking price (€20m - £17m). He has a host of admirers to pick from, though it is hoped that the appeal of linking back up with former boss Jesse Marsch may entice him to Elland Road. Minamino was a 2020 capture from RB Saltzburg, during Marsch's reign, after Jurgen Klopp activated his £7.5m release clause. Leeds have been pretty much on the ball this Summer, recruitment wise, and should they manage to capture Minamino, it will go a long way to repair the damage of last Summer. please log in to view this image Raphinha subject to Hammers interest Several media reports are suggesting that West Ham are lining up a £60m bid to bring Raphinha to the London Stadium. The Hammers are keen to progress to the next level, and see the Brazilian winger as a game changer. Having finished 7th, West Ham have qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League for the second season in a row, but would this be enough of a lure to tempt the 25yo to East London? Raphinha recently turned down a move to Anfield, so what hope do West Ham have? It has been suggested that he only wants to move to Barcelona, but due to a lack of funds, he's going to have a long wait. please log in to view this image What can we expect from Kristensen Any lingering doubt that Borussia Dortmund may try and re-hijack the Rasmus Kristensen deal were extinguished yesterday as the 'Great Dane' penned a five-year contact at Elland Road. With Ayling and Dallas both going under the surgeon's knife in recent weeks, Jesse Marsch approached Victor Orta about reuniting with his former right back. Orta then got to work, gaining permission from his new friends at RB Salzburg, to approach the 24yo. They agreed, and Orta launched a full on assault to bring his target to Elland Road. This was easier said than done. The lure of Silverware, Champions League Football and a realistic chance of winning the Bundesliga can't have been easy to turn down, though against all odds - he pulled it off. Any doubters, who suggest that Marsch's tactics will leave wide area's of the pitch exposed, may wish to re-think their analogy. Whilst Kristensen isn't a line hugger, he uses the wing to great effect, and gets forward whenever he can, using his pact to overlap with wingers. He's also not shy about coming forward. In fact, he was the most prolific full back in the Champions League last season. Unfortunately, many of these opportunities were 'low quality chances. Whilst Ayling has been a loyal and dependable servant to the club, since his £200,000 arrival from Bristol City six years ago; injuries have now caught up with him, and his lack of pace has left Leeds exposed at the back on many occasions. It is hoped that Kristensen will supersede Ayling going forward, whilst offering a stronger defensive performance at the back. His ariel dominance will certainly make a difference, both from an attacking, and defensive point of view. Leeds eye veteran keepers Ben Foster (39), John Ruddy (35) and Scott Carson (36) have all been named as potential targets this Summer. The veteran shot stoppers would not be expected Meslier, but would act as back up in case of injury. Many Leeds fans were hoping to see Burnley's Nick Pope at Elland Road, but it is expected that he is looking for guaranteed first team action. please log in to view this image
Thanks Ell. I look forward to the daily news. Great job. If Marsch wants Minamino. Go get him. I'd take Ben Foster. I watch his YouTube stuff and he seems immensely popular among his teammates and staff and does the right things. Very professional, very driven, all round nice guy. Added extra would be some behind the scenes stuff from training and matchday routines.
WHU and Raphinha: Sorry seems to be a load of bollox because last week and this week its been Harrison. Lazy made up shyt me thinks. wHU have Bowen and Benrhama who they paid a shed load for.
Minamino in my opinion is a shrewd buy. Haaland thinks the world of him as he was responsible for assisting in 14 Haaland goals in one season. Minamino also scored 14 of his own goals too. In fact Minamino scored 40 odd goals for RBS before going to Liverpool. The scousers bought him because they were hoping to lure Haaland the following season, but he went to Dortmund. Haaland still rings him weekly after games and as we know Haaland is a Leeds lad and fan? Minamino plays mostly out wide as a half winger, or as a 10 or a second striker or as an out and out 9. He would give much needed assistance up front and give Marsch options as hes a utility striker in reality, a Dallas from middle to front. His international record is also pretty good in front of goal
If we're looking for a back up then my choice would be Ruddy. Yes Ben Foster is a better keeper but it's a back up keeper who would barely play. He's there to help the younger 2 keepers progress as players. Minaimino signing for us is a yes for me. It's Moneyball at it's finest. I get his stats at Liverpool were no fantastic but supposedly he was amazing at Salzburg. If the rumours about Raph from yesterday are true then I'm done with him. He clearly wants to leave the club so let him go to West Ham and collect the money and but a new player.
Keepers are a unique breed. More than any other position you can’t underestimate the benefit that an older experienced guy has in the camp. These older guys have all experienced dips in form and come through them, made big errors etc. They are generally a source of good advice from someone that’s been there, not just read about it. I’ve heard this first hand. And also, they can still do a job between the sticks if required.
The way Foster was with young keeper Bachmann at Watford is exactly why I want him. Always very encouraging, telling him he was "top class" and generally inspiring confidence in him. Worked with him every day and is genuinely happy to move on and let him be Watfords number 1. He also said in his podcast that he wants to get involved in coaching but not for the next year or two as he still feels his body is as sharp as ever. He'd be comfortable playing as a number 2 to a young keeper who he can help achieve his full potential. Impressed me massively. His attitude in and around the place would be priceless.
Morning all… Im pleased we’ve moved swiftly in securing the first two signings. I’d now like someone with PL experience so Minamino fits that bill As for Keepers, I’d like someone better than Meslier so if affordable I’d snap Pope up and Meslier would be number 2
Good Morning to Matt Doc WJ RIK ETCFROM a sunny Bardsey. I think that we have talked enough about Rap let him go and collect a great profit it will be needed when we get rid of Roberts Rodrigo Fripo and Koko because we are going to see big losses there Minaminao could be used if we sell Rap to Liverpool we still need a striker a left back and a KP replacement Any ideas DOC I still like Pope
Minamino is a no brainer for me, very versitile and looks a bargain at the side of Rodrigo. I'd take any of the experienced keepers but Ben Foster would be my first choice. The only downside is realistically he would probably only be back up for one year before he moves onto coaching, the others may have a couple of years left in them. Assuming we got both of the above, what else to we need to make this a good transfer window? A CM and a replacement for anyone who leaves for me. A LB would be nice but I can't see it happening. In a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2, Who would be our first choice front 4 from Bamford, Gelhardt, Minamino, Aaronson, Raphina, Harrison, James?
Good morning all Just got back yesterday from a nice three night break in Cornwall. Regards the above low quality chances, does that mean much easier tap ins? if so just what we might need, good striking is not all about the spectacular, but mostly being in the right place at the right time which in my opinion is a skill in itself, look at Alan Clarke,Ian wright, Lineker, and these days Kane, mostly just anticipating where that cross will end up, we last season were crying out for someone who could just do this, i know Kristinsen is not an out and out striker, but if he can just contribute, with his know how up front all the better. Things are starting to take shape now so let's imo get Minimino in. Good business being done atm, not used to it with Leeds exciting isn't it, as Del would say lovely jubbly.
He wouldn’t want to be but which PL team would he walk into as first choice? He’s decent but he isn’t top drawer yet
Minamino would be a good move to getting our squad much stronger as we’d then have Minamino, Aaronson, Harrison, James, Bamford, Gelhardt, Roberts, Rodrigo & Raphinha fighting for 4-5 positions so I’d assume at least 1 outgoing from the list above. I think Poveda will be sold and Summerville will go out on loan. Raphinha is a tricky one. Sounds like he wants the Barca move, Barca don’t have enough cash, he has 2 years on his contract, he isn’t signing a new contract and doesn’t want to go anywhere else. If that’s the case then our choices are sell now for well below market value to Barca or keep and risk losing him for free in 2 years. Personally it would be better to keep him and let him go free or try sell him in Jan after the World Cup as his value will soar but if he only wants Barca and doesn’t sign a contract it’s a bit of a sticky situation but possible we get more time out of him but then will his head drop and he become not as willing? Happy with the new RB, Drameh needs more time on loan or to be sold. I’d like him as a squad option but I think he wants first team football which we can’t guarantee him. Ayling has an injury and can be a good squad option for the next year or two. Think we’ll probably sell Shackleton, injured too often and never really made waves in the team, think he’s probably championship at best.
Barca are skint. They're trying to restructure their wage bill to keep Dembele whilst the likely hood of De Jong being sold is happening to fund signings
If Raphinha genuinely has his heart set on playing for Barcelona then his best option is probably to stay with us for another year and then hope they can afford him next summer with only one year left on his contract. Moving to a CL club now on a 4/5 year contract would mean he might never get his dream move.
Minamino in and it’s an excellent window and it can end there for me if we were to keep everyone but we won’t… Three new decent signings then it’s a case of moving on those we don’t want and those not wishing to stay so after Minamino (if we get him) I’d be happy with like for like signings
