Good Morning. It's Friday 1st July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road One in, one out Leeds fans will bid a final farewell to Kalvin Phillips later on today, after twelve years of loyal service at Elland Road. Phillips, just back from holiday yesterday, will undergo a Medical at the Etihad this morning, before signing a four year contract, believed to be worth £150,000 a week. In contrast, Leeds have made good of a bad situation by managing to capture one of Citeh's brightest prospects. Darko Gyabi is will undergo a medical at Thorp Arch this morning before penning a long term deal. Manchester Evening News reporter Simon Bajkowski has revealed that Manchester City will benefit from any future success Leeds will have from Gyabi by inserting clauses in the £5m deal! “The two announcements should be at similar times but any delay wouldn’t suggest anything is wrong." “Gyabi looks an excellent prospect from what I’ve seen, but £5m is a significant amount of money for someone who hasn’t played any senior football and there will be clauses in the deal to benefit City should he go on to thrive at Leeds.” please log in to view this image Brighton dismiss Camera interest 'The Argus' have dismissed claims that Brighton are pursuing RB Salzburg Midfielder Mohamed Camara. Mohamed Camara. The West Sussex local rag quoted a well-placed source close to the club, claiming that having sold Bissouma to Spurs recently, they are likely to be linked with many midfielders. "The Argus have been told this afternoon that Camara is a player of whom Albion are “aware but nothing more at this stage; they are likely to be linked with numerous midfielders after selling Yves Bissouma to Tottenham." please log in to view this image Are Leeds punching above their weight in pursuit of De Ketelaere Leeds journalist Beren Cross has suggested that Leeds have their work cut out this Summer if they're to land Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere. The 21yo Belgium International Striker has appeared on the radar of many top European outfits, including Serie A Champions AC Milan. Even if Leeds are able to table the estimated £35m asking price needed, there is still the question of wages, as well as the lure of European football. They also need to fend off interest closer to home, with Leicester City among those desperate for his signature. “De Ketelaere is wanted by a host of top European clubs, the foremost of which is AC Milan. The Serie A champions will have Champions League football as well as an eye-watering salary to offer the Belgian, which will understandably make it tough for Leeds. The Whites will be pinning a lot on the exposure the Premier League provides.” please log in to view this image Firpo needs competition During his latest Q & A session, Leeds-Live journalist Beren Cross revealed that he would like to see Leeds invest in another left back to provide competition for Junior Firpo. The 25yo had a disappointing first season at Elland Road, though according to Cross, the transition from Spain to England can be difficult! Do Leeds need to bring another left back in? Although they have adaquate cover from Dallas (hopefully around Christmas time), Struijk and Hjelde, none of the three are specialists in that position! According to Cross : "I'd like to see investment to provide competition for Firpo because he seems to have a clear run at it based on the current squad shape. It was a tough first year for the former Barcelona man, but you have to give him that second season to make a go of it. That first year can be a acclimatising period for new faces, especially from Spain." please log in to view this image
Have a feeling that from Pep leaving Barcelona years ago there wasnt a Spanish team pressing and trying to turn the ball over. Athletico Madrid under Simeoni won back to back La Liga titles simply by playing more high intensity style and pressing. Spanish players had flip flops on until very recently, could be wrong…..
I've said this before but I was pleasantly surprised when we got Firpo. I remember his season at Betis a few years ago. He looked an absolute beast in the Spanish league. Literally head and shoulders above the others in his team. Then I saw him play in the PL last season and realised how **** the Spanish league is without the top 3.
He’s truly terrible. I feel sorry for Harrison being on the same flank. No link-up play, no through balls for him to run on to, and has to cover for him when he’s been skinned and can’t be bothered getting back. A complete liability.
Morning all. Can I just say that those of us who think Firpo deserves a chance in a team not decimated by injury are very aware that many of you think he's ****. You don't need to post it every ****ing day!
Duly noted and I have made a note in my diary to post on this topic only on the days that me and Mrs Aski don't have sex
I’m afraid you’re in for a major disappointment as the one area where we are not being linked with anyone is at LB so JM must rate him. Let’s hope it was a case of him settling in last season.
I'm just following Blono's instructions though Shaks, he only said don't post about Firpo every ****ing day, he never said anything about non ****ing days though
Just glad it was sorted quickly even if I thought we should have got more. The Raphinha thing is beginning to irritate as it drags on. He an Deco are clearly waiting on some clever accounting from Barcelona. I’d drop out if I were Chelsea, it’s obviously not his first choice.
On the raphinha fiasco. Surely it’s time for the club to take a stance. Inform interested parties they have a week to finalise deal. Otherwise he stays till next summer. End of. He’s our player and our preseason cannot be messed up waiting to see if he’ll be around or if we can find a replacement