Good Morning. It's Wednesday 21st August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Ljubicic expected to sign Dejan Ljubicic has packed his bags, said his goodbyes, and is expected to become a Leeds Utd player over the coming days. Koln have been reluctant to let any of their players leave, let alone Ljubicic, considered their most influential, and versatile midfielder. The Billy Goats have a two-window transfer embargo (due to the illegal approach of starlet Jaka Cuber) and have to wait until January 2025 to bring new faces in. With less than a year left on his contract, negotiations have progressed, with a new deal rumoured to be struck around the £5m mark. The Austrian International offers versatility, goals and assists - he'll be instrumental this season as to whether Leeds reach the play-offs or can finish in the top two. please log in to view this image Benson on his way to ER Leeds are poised to secure the signing of Manuel Benson from Burnley in a deal valued at around £5m. The 27-year-old left-footer excels as a right-inverted winger, showcasing his ability to cut inside and deliver precise crosses with pace. His goal-scoring prowess was evident when he netted twelve times for Burnley during their promotion season two years ago. Benson was linked with Leeds in January but was pushing for a move to St Mary's. In the end neither happened as he ended up staying at Turf Moor, and mending bridges with then-Manager Vincent Kompany. Scott Parker is open to Benson's departure to a Championship promotion rival which must mean one of two things! He's either surplus to requirements or they're desperate for the money. Norwich and Sunderland are also in the loop, though much will depend on whether they lose Jonathan Rowe/Jack Clarke please log in to view this image
Benson is one of two wingers Leeds are expected to sign this window; the other being a big money signing between £10m-£15m. This would rule out Jack Clarke, but the Jonathan Rowe murmurs are beginning to resurface again! We should not discount Million Manhoef (Stoke) either. This Ljubicic deal is (apparently) done, with Leeds now chasing a deal for a left-back. Liverpool's Owen Beck would be a great shout, especially with the Welsh connection.
Thought he was going to Burnley, loan with an obligation to buy, reported by The Athletic a few days back.
Benson best days are behind him. Ljubicic looks decent. A midfield "runner" that we are missing. I don't rate Beck at all. Rowe would be a statement signing at this point. The lad from Stoke or Asprilla from Watford would also be good business.
I actually think if we get Ljubicic, Benson, Beck & 1 more winger that won’t be a terrible window. Still would leave a bit of a hole where Rutter left but still not terrible for the position we’re in.
Assume Benson is strength in depth and James will start but who starts between Gnoto and Rowe if he signs? Obviously completely hypothetical.
These supposed signings don't fill me with much confidence they sound like they're coming from the bottom of the barrel, and Farke can't make average players any better like the Messiah did.
guess it depends on your perspective... from the ownership perspective you have ticked boxes and put money in the bank. From a fans perspective, the like for like replacements (maybe Llubicic aside as i dont have an opinion on him) are a step below those they replace.
Morning all Ljubicic sounds useful, a bit wait and see like Kamara was. I hope Benson is a fake rumour, I can’t see him being much use but who knows. Rabbi Montondo from Rangers would be a far better option, we were also linked with him I believe we enquired when we felt Wober might be out the door. Humphries a CB who can cover LB, same as Wober so we didn’t pursue and he went elsewhere
Been reading a bit from Farke’s presser today and beginning to wonder if there is tension rising between him and the board. He was saying that they needed to plan for replacements for Summerville and Rutter (to paraphrase) back in January in his words he “told them months ago not weeks”. He did go on to say he trusted the board to get things done but he is clearly signaling to the fans where the blame for the hold up lies, this rarely goes down well with the owners. Said we will definitely have no new players in for the next game on Friday and possibly the match after that.
He also quoted Elvis and said "a little less conversation a little more action please". Sounds unhappy with the owners this week after nothing happened since his last presser.
Hence my comment yesterday about the “Farke situation” he opened his mouth too many times and then threw the 49ers under the buss last week, almost saying not my fault guv. Since then he has said we need 4 signings and I know the board are trying to get them. You all know my view anyway, they should have sacked him after the catastrophy of last season final 10 games. We are now 2 wins from the last 12 games, I think there is a big rift in the senior board and FARKE. I could well be the recruitment department have been told to hold off until after Fridays game. They obviously have their list but if Farke doesn’t win his next game he could be gone
