Good Morning. It's Thursday 3rd July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds fans fume as Sunderland snatch another target West Yorkshire is simmering with discontent after a turbulent 48 hours that saw Sunderland, not once, but twice, snatch key transfer targets from under Leeds United's noses. Following the disappointment of Habib Diarra's move to the Black Cats earlier this week, Leeds fans were further incensed by news that Sunderland have agreed to a €17 million deal for highly-rated Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki. Manager Daniel Farke had publicly stated his desire to have the bulk of transfer business concluded by the time the team returns to training next week. While three players have arrived at Elland Road, only Jaka Bijol is widely considered to be a guaranteed first-team starter. This lack of significant strengthening, coupled with Sunderland's aggressive moves, has ignited a wave of anger amongst the Leeds faithful. Disappointment has quickly morphed into fury as they watch a direct rival build a potentially formidable squad with ambitious signings. The capture of Sadiki represents a significant coup for Sunderland, showcasing their intent and drawing a stark contrast with Leeds' perceived inactivity in the transfer market. Sunderland's actions speak volumes. This isn't about simply surviving; they are signaling a clear ambition to compete in the top flight. By investing heavily in young, promising players like Sadiki and potentially Đorđe Petrović, the Chelsea goalkeeper reportedly close to a £21.6 million move to the Stadium of Light, they are laying the foundation for a bright future. please log in to view this image Krstovic not intereted in Leeds move Recent developments suggest the Whites could be interested in Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic, although the player's enthusiasm for a move to Elland Road appears lukewarm. However, despite Leeds United's apparent interest in the Montenegrin international, reports from Calcio Lecce indicate that Krstovic is "not convinced" about a move to West Yorkshire. The report suggests that Leeds were willing to offer over €20m (£17m) for the forward, but Krstovic seems to be holding out for interest from an Italian club. LeedsLive weighed in on the situation, stating, "The Whites are likely to face competition for Krstovic this summer, and that may result in a bidding war. The 25-year-old is unproven at the highest level, however, and there have to be question marks over his suitability for Premier League football." They further cautioned against trying to force a move, adding, "Chucking money at a player to convince them is never the answer, as the Whites need players committed to the club beyond solely financial incentives." please log in to view this image Dan James agrees new four year deal Dan James has committed his long-term future to the Whites, agreeing a new four-year deal that will keep him at Elland Road until the summer of 2030, emphasising both the club's belief in the winger and James's desire to continue his journey with Leeds. The 27-year-old speedster found himself entering the final year of his previous contract, having initially joined Leeds in 2021 under Marcelo Bielsa. That move saw him arrive from Manchester United for a reported £25 million on a five-year deal, a testament to the high hopes placed upon him even then. James's initial spell at Leeds, however, proved to be a challenging one. He endured a difficult first couple of seasons in the Premier League, struggling to consistently find his rhythm and impact games as expected. His second season saw him loaned out to Fulham by then-manager Jesse Marsch, a move designed to provide him with more regular playing time and a fresh start away from Elland Road. It was upon his return to West Yorkshire following Leeds's relegation from the Premier League that James truly began to flourish. Under Farke, the Welshman enjoyed two phenomenal campaigns, rediscoverng the form and confidence that made him such an exciting prospect earlier in his career. His blistering pace, direct running, and improved end product became vital last term as Leeds returned to the top flight as Champions. please log in to view this image I predict new pre-match walk-out music Leeds United are looking to fine-tune the electric atmosphere at Elland Road, with a particular focus on the pre-match musical running order. The club is concerned that the mandatory Premier League anthem, which must be played within 40 seconds of the two teams entering the field, could inadvertently dampen the mood around ER. According to minutes from the club's latest Supporters Advisory Board meeting, Leeds are seeking to gauge the consensus of their loyal fanbase on a potential new sequence. The proposed change would see a different song played as the players emerge from the tunnel, followed by the Premier League anthem, before the beloved 1972 B-side track. The clubs initiative to consult supporters underscores their understanding of Elland Road as more than just a stadium – it's a cauldron of emotion and tradition. The strongest contender for the new walk-out music has to be the Kaiser Chiefs 'I predict a riot'. I can't see Leeds fans going for anything else!!! please log in to view this image
At last we've signed a 20m player. Dan James. A great prospect, capable of turning a game and a great attitude. Pity he was already one of ours, could have got excited about that one. Wonder how long before we hear the psr excuses being rolled out
Morning all, So Sunderlands transfer policy is look at who leeds want and then offer 10 million more than they are worth. It's a risky policy Cotton, let's see if it works out for em
Morning all, ‘West Yorkshire is simmering with discontent’ ‘Disappointment has quickly morphed into fury’ Great way to fill the new arrivals with confidence and make them feel welcome They haven’t even played yet and are deemed to be not of the standard required. They’ve committed to being part of Leeds United. Let’s give them a chance.
I can only tell you what I have been told. Bornauw is a centre-back / right back bought in to replace Wober, and Nmecha is a bit part striker who offers somethin different up-front.
Leeds fans unhappy with Sunderland getting 2 players we were supposedly after, those same fans would probably be the ones moaning that we'd spent £50m on 2 unproven youngsters who haven't played anywhere near PL level. I think we need to wait until the end of the window before we chastise too much, irritating thus far but not all doom and gloom just yet
Morning all Some fans need to get a grip, I guarantee if we’d signed Diarra and Sadaki and lost the other players to Sunderland they’d still complain Sadaki and Habib two players absent for up to 7 games with the African Nations neither proven, by all accounts we bid for Sadaki and his club wanted double so we moved on and Sunderland stepped in Is he worth the fee Sunderland paid, only time will tell. I’d have been okay if we’d signed either as a squad player but not both. There wasn’t a huge queue building for either, apparently Brentford bid £11.5m for Sadiki and didn’t improve that offer either, they rarely get it wrong
Were we really in for Sadiki or is this 'fuming' over a rumour? We were linked to everyone over the winter.