Good Morning. It's Wednesday 28th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Cocky Saints Scoff at Leeds Approach for Fernandes Leeds hopes of securing Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes have been met with derision from the South Coast club, who appear to value the young Portuguese talent far higher than initial reports suggested. Fernandes, a shining light in a truly dismal season for the Saints, has attracted attention after his impressive performances following his move from Sporting CP last summer. With Southampton's relegation to the Championship confirmed, speculation has been rife regarding the future of their prized assets. Leeds United were reportedly keen to capitalize on the situation, expressing an interest in the 20-year-old midfielder, with a potential £30 million price tag being floated. However, Southampton seem determined to hold onto Fernandes, or at least extract maximum value for him. According to the Daily Echo, the club's hierarchy view the reported £30 million valuation with considerable disdain. The publication quoted a source within the club who dismissed the figure with humor, stating that "His hair is worth £30m." This lighthearted, yet emphatic, rejection of the rumored valuation highlights Southampton's firm stance. They clearly believe Fernandes is worth significantly more than Leeds United, or any other potential suitor, might be willing to offer. This response indicates that Leeds United face a tough negotiation if they wish to seriously pursue Fernandes. Southampton's confidence in the player's value suggests they are prepared to play hardball, potentially pricing him out of Leeds' reach. While the Championship club might be tempted by a quick profit after relegation, they clearly recognize the Portuguese midfielder's immense potential and are unwilling to let him go on the cheap. The future of Fernandes remains uncertain but one thing is clear: prising him away from St Mary's will require a significantly larger investment than originally anticipated. please log in to view this image Leeds rekindle interest in Kalimuendo Leeds United are reportedly rekindling their interest in French Under-21 international striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, a player they initially pursued three years ago. According to football journalist Graeme Bailey, the Whites are keen on securing the Rennes forward's signature, potentially adding much-needed firepower to their attack. Leeds were in advanced discussions with Paris Saint-Germain for Kalimuendo back in 2022, with reports suggesting a deal was close. However, Rennes ultimately swooped in, acquiring the young Frenchman for a fee of around £21 million. Kalimuendo has since impressed during his time at the Ligue 1 club. Despite having a contract until 2027, there are indications that Rennes are now open to selling him. This development has alerted Leeds United, who are once again considering a move for the 23-year-old. However, Leeds will face competition from Newcastle United, who are also said to be interested in Kalimuendo as a potential replacement for Callum Wilson. Kalimuendo's development at Rennes over the past three years suggests he would be an even more valuable asset for Leeds now than he would have been in 2022. He has gained significant first-team experience, and his goal scoring record has consistently improved with each season. Former Rennes head coach Bruno Genesio has praised Kalimuendo's intelligence and movement. "He’s a very interesting player when it comes to finding space," Genesio said. "He understands how to move, when to rush into tight spaces at the right time. He understands the difficulties it gives his opponents." Genesio also highlighted Kalimuendo's improvement in holding up the ball: "He’s also increasingly good with his back to goal. He’s developed an ability to protect it, to keep it under pressure and to turn. This makes him a complete attacker, he’s very strong at running." With Leeds United looking to bolster their attacking options, Kalimuendo's proven goal-scoring ability, coupled with his tactical awareness and physical attributes, make him an attractive target. Whether they can fend off interest from Newcastle United and finally secure his signature remains to be seen. please log in to view this image
Morning all Fernandes is probably on par with Rutter when it comes to value, I think £40m would be unwise. Are we still after Newcastles Longstaff for £12m, if so I’d prefer Longstaff and £28m left to spend on another player over Fernandes Let’s go about our other business first and see what’s left in the pot when we’ve grabbed some targets and hopefully moved a few on. Kalimuendo Looks decent on paper, seems we have a few options to go for in attack
Even Bamford admitted in his recent interview that we needed at least six quality signings in the summer. Lot of work to be done for sure
Morning All. Admittedly I didn’t watch a lot of Southampton games last season but I’m wondering why a 20 year old that played in a team that equalled the record lowest points total and a side that was relegated earlier than any other club in premier league history is valued so highly. He’s still young enough to hit that dip in form and not fulfill his “potential”, so with one relegation under his belt, I’d steer clear for now. We can’t afford to be taking too many risks this year.
Bamford wouldn't have counted himself so make that seven A bit naughty of him putting half the team down as not good enough when he hardly played in a team scoring 100 points, yes he is probably correct but to publicly say half your team mates are not good enough, not a wise move I just had a nose on the Southampton forum, they see him as vital to rebuild around and push for an immediate return, they are hoping the board stick to the £50m asking price If he really is worth £50m he will attract a bid from a top half side, I agree with you, in a team expected to be fighting against a relegation he is not someone we should be looking to blow anywhere near £50m on. Either way I would expect our genuine interest has long vanished
See it a bit differently. He’s not responsible for the 10 players around him, Apparently he shone for them, attitude never faulted when others had chucked the towel in, In principle I agree with the sentiment that we can’t afford to be ‘developing’ players but I’m not sure that’s the case here. Normally I’d say he’s the type of player you buy when you are an established side, but I’d be very happy with him. Obviously - not at £50m.
As I said, I didn’t really see much of Southampton so will bow to your better knowledge. Totally agree I wouldn’t touch him at that price. Only thing I’d pick up on is how difficult is it to shine / how good do you need to be if the other 10 players were crap and chucked the towel in?
Jeez you don’t think I actually watched them or him… I’m just spreading internet gossip as usual Seriously I’ve only seen him/them a couple of times and I wasn’t following him particularly.
Fernandes is gonna be top tier if he stays injury free. £30 million would be a steal. Southampton have set the price high but he wont go for £50 million.
