Good Morning. It's Thursday 8th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds see Raskin as key signing A tug-of-war is brewing between Leeds United and Aston Villa for the signature of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin this Summer. The Belgian international has become a key figure at Ibrox since his £6m move from Standard Liege in January 2023, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite. Raskin's move to Rangers was largely influenced by then-manager Michael Beale, and the 24-year-old has more than lived up to the expectations surrounding him. This season, he has arguably been Rangers' most consistent performer, contributing three goals and eight assists in 45 appearances. Known for his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Raskin primarily operates as a deep-lying playmaker. His tactical intelligence, impressive ball skills, excellent distribution, and vision make him a valuable asset in controlling the midfield. These qualities have understandably made him a popular figure amongst the Rangers faithful. While Raskin is under contract at Rangers until 2027, the allure of Premier League football could prove tempting for the Belgian international, who has earned two international caps this year. Rangers are understandably reluctant to lose such a pivotal player, but the prospect of playing in England's top flight may be hard to resist. Leeds United, preparing for their Premier League return after securing automatic promotion from the Championship, see Raskin as the ideal addition to strengthen their squad. His qualities align with their ambition to establish themselves in the Premier League. Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, also see immense potential in Raskin. Emery views the 24-year-old as a versatile player capable of seamlessly integrating into their high-pressing system. His tactical awareness and technical abilities make him a valuable asset for Villa's midfield. Adding an interesting layer to this transfer saga is the ownership structure. 49ers Enterprises own both Leeds United and Rangers, creating a potentially delicate situation. They will undoubtedly aim to avoid any perception of favoritism. However, if Raskin's departure is inevitable, 49ers Enterprises may prefer to keep him within their umbrella, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road. please log in to view this image Whites explore cost-effective Goalkeeper option in Conan Ledesma Reports circulating from Spain suggest that Leeds United could be exploring a move for experienced goalkeeper Conan Ledesma, currently plying his trade at Argentine giants River Plate. The 32-year-old shot-stopper, formerly of Cadiz in La Liga, is reportedly on the Whites' radar as they potentially seek Summer reinforcements. Ledesma's track record, particularly his respected tenure in Spanish football, where he was often highlighted as a standout performer, makes him an appealing target. His proven ability and maturity are seen as valuable assets that could benefit Leeds. However, Ledesma's move to River Plate last Summer hasn't gone as planned. Despite joining for a modest fee of around £2.2 million, he has found playing time severely restricted. He has struggled to dislodge the long-established number one, Franco Armani, resulting in just 4 league appearances since his arrival in Buenos Aires. This lack of game time at River Plate presents a potential opportunity for Leeds. A player of Ledesma's calibre – someone recognised as one of La Liga's better keepers in recent years – could potentially be available for a minimal price given his current status at the club. For Leeds, this could represent a chance to sign an experienced, high-pedigree goalkeeper without breaking the bank. The Yorkshire club has been linked with more high-profile, and likely expensive, English keepers such as Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford this transfer window. However, with Financial Fair Play regulations potentially limiting their spending power to around £150 million plus funds generated from player sales, pursuing a target like Ledesma could be a financially astute move. Why commit potentially £20-25 million or more on a goalkeeper when a similarly experienced and capable player like Ledesma might be attainable for a significantly smaller outlay? While nothing is confirmed, the resurfacing links to Conan Ledesma suggest Leeds are not only looking for quality but are also considering the financial implications of their summer recruitment, potentially viewing the Argentine keeper as a cost-effective solution to bolster their squad. please log in to view this image Leeds target Besiktas Starlet Semih Kilicsoy Leeds are reportedly ramping up their efforts to sign highly-rated Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy, with club officials preparing to fly to Istanbul to formally table an offer. The move comes as the Summer transfer window approaches, with the 19-year-old seen as a promising young and versatile option for the West Yorkshire outfit. According to a report from Turkish outlet Yeni Asir on May 7th, Leeds have already "made a move" for the teenager and a delegation from the Whites is scheduled to jet out to Turkey soon to negotiate with Besiktas. Kilicsoy is a player who has caught the eye despite his young age. He has broken into the Besiktas first team and shown bursts of impressive form. While he has been in and out of the starting lineup recently, his potential is undeniable. At youth level, he boasts an impressive record, scoring 42 goals in 64 appearances for Besiktas's second string squad. He also captains Turkey’s U21 side and has already earned four caps for the senior national team. Leeds are reportedly viewing Kilicsoy as a long-term investment for the future of the club. While Besiktas are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £16 million for a permanent transfer, Leeds are reportedly keen on striking a loan-to-buy deal. This structure would potentially allow them to integrate the player into their squad before committing to the full transfer fee. However, Leeds are not the only club interested in the young Turkish international. Previous reports, including one from Turkish outlet Milliyet, have linked Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa with potential moves for Kilicsoy, suggesting Leeds may face competition for his signature this Summer. please log in to view this image
Think our potential spend is considerably less than 150m plus player sales according to a lot of crap going around. Hope you’re right Matt
Morning all We are going to need to make some shrewd signings, even if we do have £150m that can be swallowed up in no time if the click bait rumours are to be believed. Take Beto at Everton, they sign him for £27m he scores 10 goals in 2 seasons and Everton want £30m for him - He is 27 would want a 4 year contract and have no value at the end of the contract. If we lose Firpo and sign a new LB for £15m and Solomon for £20m we are £35m down and no better off than we were on promotion day. Throw in £30m for Beto and £20m for a keeper, we are not far off being spent if you take the average of £100m to £150m in the pot - £30m is not going to find you a fantastic 10 and we still need back up at RB and CB Kilicsoy is the only one I believe at the moment, I would imagine the other stories are enquiries that we swiftly move on from when prices are quoted. Beto at £10m might be worth a gamble but not £30m surely
Morning all. This talk of signings to “bolster the squad” or “long-term prospects” makes me shudder. We need players that strengthen the first team (or at least challenge for a start) if we have any hope of staying up. Have to say that I was more confident of the recruitment when Hammond was there judging by his recent track record. Also he might well know potential targets that he could poach for Everton.
Big Sam said in an article today, if Leeds sign 10 players costing £10-15m each, they will go straight back down, concentrate on 3-4 top quality ones and build on it. I think they were referring to a question about finding more Tanaka's at £5m and Sam was basically saying it is not going to happen, eventually you have to spend big and buy proven I guess the question is, who can you realistically attract when you are newly promoted. It would have been great to get Solomon then maybe another marquee signing onboard to let future targets know we mean business. If we go out and our first two signings really are Jamie Vardy and Beto, I would be looking at that and thinking if those are the two strikers expected to get 20 goals then we could be in trouble
Effectively only brought 4 new ones in last time promoted Rodrigo Raphinha Koch Llorente Made permanent/extended loan Harrison Meslier Costa Then a few youth.
Hmm. I see after the euphoria of last two week, reality is starting to set in. was talking to a very knowledgeable mate this morning, and apart from also preferring Championship football, he's hoping City win their case. Reckons it'll open the floodgates for owners spending whatever they want and a situation that would allow us leapfrog many pl teams. Its a good point I hadn't considered so come on Citeh
Depends if you're hedging your bets... trying to build a side that yoyos for a year or two but gradually gets good enough to stay up...or going all in to stay up. Even then, teams usually have a strategy around types of recruit. Is it proven PL experience (but clearly not good enough for other PL teams?) or un-proven younger talent with greater risk but greater upside. Personally, I think we have a squad full of players that would be ok squad players elsewhere and reasonable depth. We lack a bit of star quality. I think we need to spend big at both ends of the pitch. It's great that everyone chipped in in the champ, but we need someone who can reguarly score at PL level (doesn't everyone - hard to come by), we need as good a keeper as we can afford as he'll be busy, and a defence that can make itself hard to break down when we need it to. I think DF will still feel that attack is the best form of defence and try to dominate the ball where we can, that's the DNA of this team. PL sides will pick apart our press so if we have a high line defence, we best have some pace in it.
Ive a feeling Piroe will be a surprise in the PL. After all, if Bamford could bag 17 in a season, and he's anything but a finisher and can't take penalties, Id be hopeful Piroe will match that. Also never injured, big plus in my books
He's a funny one Piroe, when given a bit of space and time he looks quality, when not he's anonymous. You may be right but i worry he just won't be allowed the time to play in the PL. Problem with Paddy is he puts on the cocky, confident, big time charlie act but i think it's a mask. Takes difficult chances with no pressure but misses sitters. Had his best season with no fans watching. Could be wrong, often am.
8 million and Jack Harrison for Beto would be a good deal Ignore Betos stats, he's not been bad under Moyles and would do well with our pacey wingers supporting him
Better still bring in a world class coach and pay him £20m a year. That’s better than signing four £5m players which is a bit hit and miss. If he’s worth his salt he could work with the current players and vastly improve them. And he’d still have about £100m to spend plus profits from outs. Not going to happen though but it should.
Big Sam can shut the **** up. This myth that you have to go out there and spend big bucks is Bullshit What you need to do is scout and bring in the right players for a decent price.
Watching it. What is the commentator banging on about? Just said if Sheff U hadn’t had the two points deduction they’d have finished on 99 points which still wouldn’t have been enough??? The idiot Goodman said it would have put more pressure on us and Burnley. I’m no mathematician but surely that would meant they’d finish on 92
