Good Morning. It's Friday 4th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Short list of three for the #1 jersey As Illan Meslier's departure from Elland Road draws closer, Leeds United are actively scouring the market for a reliable replacement to claim the coveted No.1 jersey. Recent reports in the last 24 hours have linked two new names to the club: Vanja Milinković-Savić and Lucas Perri. Milinković-Savić, the towering 6ft 8in Serbian international, appears to be the more exciting prospect of the two. His impressive xGOT (Expected Goals on Target) rating of ten highlights his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. To provide context, Meslier's xGOT rating last season was a negative -2.8. His performances suggest he is a goalkeeper who consistently outperforms expectations based on the quality of shots he faces. Lucas Perri, currently with Lyon, is another goalkeeper on Leeds' radar. However, securing Perri's signature might prove challenging given Lyon's precarious situation. The club is appealing their relegation punishment, which has created uncertainty around transfer decisions. It's worth noting that Angers' highly-rated goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana, remains a strong contender for the Whites. The Ivory Coast international is available for a relatively modest £6 million, given that he has only one year remaining on his contract. His impressive statistics from last season, saving 135 out of 186 shots faced, make him an attractive option for Leeds. While Nick Pope continuous to be linked, recent reports from Beren Cross suggest that the ten capped England international has no intention of leaving Newcastle United, making him a free agent next summer. please log in to view this image Leeds 'close' to Gudmundsson signing Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Swedish international left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road throughout the summer, and whispers from reliable sources like Graham Smyth suggest that negotiations are progressing positively. With only a year remaining on his contract with the French club, Gudmundsson presents an attractive proposition for Leeds. The need for reinforcement in the left-back position has become increasingly apparent following the exit of both Sam Byram, now a free agent, and Junior Firpo, who has returned to Real Betis. The demands of the Premier League are unforgiving, requiring full-backs who possess a balanced skillset, capable of contributing both defensively and in attack. Gudmundsson is believed to tick those boxes, offering the dynamism and quality needed to thrive in a demanding league. His potential arrival would represent a significant coup for Leeds, providing much-needed competition and quality in a crucial area of the pitch. The Swedish international's experience at a high level, coupled with his age profile, makes him an ideal candidate to slot straight into the first team. Given his contract situation, speculation suggests that Leeds United could secure Gudmundsson's services for a fee in the region of £8 million. This would represent a shrewd piece of business, acquiring a proven international player at a reasonable price. please log in to view this image Weah firmly on Leeds radar Leeds are in the mix to sign Juventus winger Timothy Weah, but face competition from Everton and French giants Marseille. The 25-year-old, son of legendary footballer George Weah, is available for around €20 million, making him an attractive option for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. Weah’s potential move to Nottingham Forest collapsed last week due to disagreement over personal terms, opening the door for other clubs to swoop in. Leeds, eager to strengthen their squad, are seemingly interested in bringing the American international to Elland Road. A versatile player, Weah has primarily featured as a winger or wing-back, particularly on the right side, for both Juventus and the USA National Team. While he has experience playing as a striker, his adaptability allows him to be deployed effectively in various roles, including right-back and even as a forward. This versatility would be a valuable asset to Leeds, providing them with tactical flexibility. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Weah also spent time with the New York Red Bulls during his youth. Adding intrigue to the potential transfer is Weah’s close friendship with former Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams. It's believed that Weah is keen on a move to the Premier League, which could give Leeds an edge in the race for his signature. please log in to view this image
Yes to Savic or Perri. Both are significant upgrades to Meslier. Savic looks the better suited to PL. Gudmundsson is very quick, lightning fast. Unsure whether his abilities can transfer to the level Leeds are at. A big fat NO to Tim Weah. Nowhere near good enough.
Morning all Pretty much the same thoughts as Emu, no to Weah, Gudmundsson I’m okay with, I’d expect a Firpo with the pace of Dan James. Not the greatest LB but being realistic on who’d join
It's easy whittling down who the real targets are. Just pick who'll be the cheapest of the three. We're clearly hamstrung as always with cash for one reason or another, so forget the 20m plus signings and concentrate on the cheapies/freebies. It might even work
Good morning all I do like the prospect of obtaining Milinković-Savić, seems to be a top keeper who just needs a few tweeks, below is the mandatory youtube link showing his capabilities. also looks a top notch penalty stopper, i bet he seems to fill the goal to the penalty taker The tweeks i mentioned above is his preference (like all modern keepers) is to parry, rather than catch or gather the ball, hopefully if we do sign him, this could be drummed into him, as premier league strikers/predators would punish him severely. but has all the makings of a top keeper, but we would have to be quick if we want him, as i read somewhere Manure are interested.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh, a lot of decent saves but a lot parried back into the middle of the box, something Mes was heavily criticised for. The reel also didn’t show anything about what he is like on crosses and corners and for such a big bloke I thought it would (possibly it just concentrated on “eye-catching saves).
Kristovic rumours wont go away. He doesn't want to come here, he wants Roma but Leeds are supposedly outbidding Roma. Don't want him. Not good enough for us.
Thought there were some great saves in there… though you would hope so with a compilation vid. Looks pretty agile for a big lad. My first thought was also the parries. Definitely some that looked easily catchable. In the comments section in the vid I watched - some were saying that it’s a deliberate tactic - he punches them out at pace making it really difficult for attackers to react and the defenders know it’s coming. don’t shoot the messenger… parry away from goal or catch it are my preferences. top rated keeper in serie A last year in terms of expected goals against. 7th in Europe… behind several others in ligue 1 we are also linked in. anyway this lad will look good warming the bench for Sunderland
Max Wober has joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan for the 2025/26 season. Bremen will pick up his wages, and pay Leeds a loan fee.
Thomas Partey, officially charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police Service. “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives. “The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, One count of sexual assault.” Offences alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Leeds needed around £5 million to make a profit on PSR for Wober. They obviously couldn't get that price so loaned him instead. No obligation to buy either. We seem to buy players expensively and then give them away. Sunderland are at risk of doing the same.