The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 27th June)

Good Morning. It's Friday 27th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Have Leeds turned their attention to Douglas Luiz

Less than a year after his high-profile move from Aston Villa to Italian giants Juventus, Brazilian international Douglas Luiz appears to be on the verge of another significant transfer. After what has been described as a "disappointing season" in Turin, the midfielder is reportedly eyeing a swift return to the Premier League, with Elland Road mooted as a possible destination.

The problem is, whilst Habib Diarra is Leeds first choice, his representatives think he is worthy of an elite club — one that means European football next term. At 21, the Strasbourg captain still has much to learn. Much of the hype is due to his potential, not that Leeds will mind, especially if they can flip him in a couple of years time for a healthy profit.

Luiz on the other hand offers experience, and at 27yo is in his prime. He cost Juve north of £40m, but are willing to take a hit, to get him off their wage bill! In January, Juventus offered Luiz to Manchester City as a potential loan option when Rodri was sidelined by injury. However, an agreement could not be reached, and the Italian club is now reportedly "set to continue to push him out."

Luiz's agent has been particularly busy, engaged in "frequent talks about his future" and "speaking to a load of Premier League clubs to find him a move." This proactive approach highlights the player's clear intent to leave Italy and re-establish himself in English football, where he previously enjoyed a successful stint with Aston Villa.

For any Premier League club considering a move for Luiz, a balanced assessment of his playing style is crucial. There's no doubting his technical qualities; he is widely regarded as "a very good passer of the ball" and a "talented player." If a team seeks a midfielder to "get on the ball and help them progress" play from deep, Luiz certainly possesses the attributes to excel in that role, dictating tempo and providing incisive distribution.

However, a frequently cited criticism of Luiz revolves around his perceived lack of combativeness when games turn against his side. As one source put it, "He has always been that if the game is against you, he goes missing."

The sentiment is that "if the run of the game starts going against you, he’s always second to everything and you can bypass him in midfield." This suggests that while he can be a graceful orchestrator, he might not be the tenacious ball-winner or defensive shield some managers desire in the heart of their midfield.

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Debayo set for new deal

Leeds Live has reported that James Debayo, the young and talented defender, will be signing a new deal with the club this summer. Initially, the player seemed reluctant to put pen to paper, but it appears that both parties have managed to resolve any issues.

His progress last season was somewhat hindered, rotting on the bench. This may have contributed to his hesitation in signing new terms. However, both parties have seemingly come to an understanding, with Debayo, now set to extend his stay to the summer of 2028.

In a move that is likely to benefit both player and club, the 'Elite Project Group (who also act as agents for Darko Gyabi) have convinced the club to allow him to go out on loan and gain valuable first-team experience in the lower leagues. This decision is a smart one by the club, as it will enable Debayo to hone his skills and develop.

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Morning all,

Douglas Luiz is not what we need imo. We’ll be up against it more times than not this season, and we’ll be wanting players who can dig in. Not a lazy, luxury player like Luiz.

 

Playing with what is effectively 10 men isn't what we want when trying to grind out results.

 

I don't see Douglas Luiz as being lazy. Always thought the opposite tbh. Seemed to always put a shift in for Villa. He'd probably walk in and become our best player.

Did he cause problems within the team or something?

 

Afternoon all

According to Romano our first choice midfielder is Habib Diarra and we’re in talks with him

 

When I first seen the link last week, I was with a Villa fan, his reaction, ' good player, very good player'

 

That was my thought process. He's that good I doubt we have a chance to get him. He will want a club playing in European Competitions. Would be a bit of a coup for us imo.

 

Luiz, please no

Debayo is a very talented player with huge potential ... big, strong and quick, and Leeds need to develop him now

 

I think wages would be an issue tbh

 

A quick Google suggests £100k a week. It's just not happening is it?

Its clickbait nonsense.

Maybe a loan with an obligation to buy might work but even that is stretching things. We can't upset Paddy by making him the 2nd highest paid player at the club.

 

What if we were to give him a £2-3m signing on fee ?

Then we could pay him a lower weekly wage and he doesn't lose money.