The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 16th July)

Good Morning. It's Wednesday 16th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

£17m offer submitted for Turkish International striker

Reports from Turkish media outlet Aksam, suggest Leeds may be on the verge of acquiring a much-needed striker, after submitting a mouth watering offer for Besiktas' rising star Semih Kilicsoy.

Although only 19, Kilicsoy has already made a name for himself at Besiktas, showcasing promising potential that has attracted attention from clubs across Europe. However, Leeds United appear to have taken the lead in the pursuit, with an official bid of £17m. Besiktas are understood to be open to considering a sale at this price point, potentially paving the way for a sale!

While Kilicsoy's talent is undeniable, expecting a 19-year-old with limited Super Lig experience to lead the line in the Premier League would be a significant ask. His potential addition, however, shouldn't deter Leeds from pursuing a more established, marquee signing upfront this summer.

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz remains a primary target for the Whites, suggesting that Leeds are looking to add both youthful potential and proven quality to their attacking ranks. Kilicsoy's acquisition will be viewed as long-term potential and future profit.

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Longstaff on his way to ER

Leeds have finally reached agreement with Newcastle United over versitile midfielder Sean Longstaff. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Whites have an "agreement in principle" with the Magpies for the 27-year-old. The proposed deal is structured around a £15 million package, comprised of a fixed fee of £12 million and an additional £3 million in performance-related add-ons. Notably, one such add-on is contingent on Leeds United avoiding relegation this season, highlighting the club's focus on Premier League survival.

Ornstein reports that this £15 million valuation was "close to the limit" of what Leeds were willing to pay for Longstaff. This agreement comes after three previous bids were rejected, with the prior offer standing at £12 million (a base of £10 million plus £2 million in add-ons). Despite the negotiation hurdles, Leeds clearly identified Longstaff as a key target for the forthcoming season, and will leave Newcastle Utd's training camp in Austria today.

Leeds had other candidates on their radar but with personal terms already agreed with the player, felt it was worthwhile pursuing their original target. His extensive Premier League experience, boasting five seasons of significant playing time and a total of seven years within a top-flight squad, could prove invaluable to Leeds as they aim to cement their place in the top flight.

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Leeds hold advantage over Lammens signature

Leeds have turned his attention to Royal Antwerp's shot-stopper Senne Lammens after (apparantly) losing out on Vanja Milinković-Savić and Lucas Perri.

Royal Antwerp are open to selling the 23-year-old Belgian, with sporting director Marc Overmars confirming they've already secured a replacement. This has alerted several clubs, including Manchester United, but Leeds may have a significant advantage in securing his signature.

According to reports, Lammens is seeking assurances of being first choice at his next club. This is where Leeds could edge out Manchester United, who are looking for a goalkeeper to compete with Andre Onana, while Leeds view Lammens as the ideal replacement for Meslier. Karl Darlow filled in admirably last season, but the club is seeking a long-term solution.

Lammens is highly rated in Belgium and across Europe. His shot-stopping abilities are considered exceptional, and he commands his penalty area, effectively relieving pressure on his defense by claiming crosses. Statistically, no other goalkeeper made more saves or prevented more goals last season than Lammens.

If Leeds can offer Lammens the guaranteed starting role he desires, they could secure a promising young goalkeeper who could bring much-needed stability between the sticks as they aim for a successful return to the Premier League. The potential £17 million transfer hinges on this key demand, and Leeds appear well-positioned to meet it.

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Leeds have agreed personal terms with Anton Stach

 

Morning all

Longstaff a nicesafe option and welcomed.

I had a debate on the Sunderland forum about their “overpriced” signings, it was pointed out PL proven are unlikely to join/leave and would be next price bracket up. Hitting the Championship didn’t work for Ipswich so they’re happy their recruitment is thinking outside the box

Kiliscoy would be our very own overpriced outside the box thinking player. I’d prefer him to Calvert-Lewin or Wilson who we are linked with.

We’ve also made contact about Stach, excellent news I really want that one.

Keeper, another who sounds far better than Meslier

 

Getting a little more confident about our ability to compete in the Premier League this time based on the signings so far - a bit more physical alongside pace and flair. As people have said a goalkeeper is the next important one.

I've lost track of striker options in terms of who our options are in the squad so far. Not wingers of multi role players but actual strikers. So is this somewhere we need more options?

 

In truth, it has been rumoured that Leeds have had personal terms agreed with Anton Stach for a while, but Florian Plettenberg's announcement put's pressure on Leeds to get the deal done.

Reading between the lines, Hoffenheim have leaked the information to Plettenberg in their bid to get extra cash. Whilst the German outfit may accept £17m from another European league, clubs from the Premier League can afford to go higher.

Hoffenheim want £22m from Leeds, and are putting pressure on them to get it.

 

Stach 6'4"
Bijol 6'3"
Bornauw 6'3"
Nmecha 6'1"
Rodon 6'4"
Struijk 6'3"

If we get Stach

 

Bamford 6'1"
Ampadu 6'

Even Gudmundsson is 5'11"

 

We now need a player who can take a free-kick and corner...

 

Shako?

 

With Stach and Longstaff on their way, where does this leave Tanaka?

 

Cmon Leeds here we go. I'm praying we get Stach. Longstaff is solid and proven good deals get em both over the line.
Seems we working from back and over just skipped keeper as we waiting for pope me thinks.

 

It leaves Ampadu and Tanaka fighting for their places. It pushes everyone's levels up.

 

Signing Longstaff, I really don't know where Stach will fit in, I would have assumed 4-2-3-1 Ampadu, Stach, Tanaka, Gruev, Longstaff

I can see us selling Gruev but I can't see us having the luxury of Ampadu, Stach, Tanaka and Longstaff fighting for two positions.

Maybe Struijk will be sold leaving Ampadu fighting it out with the two CBs - The more you reflect on it all, the less likely the Stach interest seems real

 

If we do get Stach then it probably means we still have a lot of funds available as it would be pointless securing Stach and Longstaff for a combined £30-35 million and not have a left winger, 10, 9 or keeper yet.

 

Agreed, I think it was Longstaff first choice, Stach second choice, personally I would have had it the other way around

 

A Solomon/Struijk swap would be great.

 

Hoffenheim play a pre-season friendly today at Sportfreunde Lauffen (4pm).
Will be very interested to see if Stach is in their squad?
Leeds fly to Germany after the scum game on saturday so may wait until early next week.

 

What a comeback

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All ripe for nutmegs through their pins

 

Shaks will have to get higher seats in stands this season to prevent getting a creak in his neck