Good Morning. It's Friday 25th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Perri arrives at Leeds training camp in Harsewinkel Leeds United are set to announce their seventh summer signing, after Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri arrived at Leeds training camp in Harsewinkel late last night. The Whites are set to finalize a deal worth £15.6 million (inclusive of add-ons) for the 27-year-old, marking a significant step in their efforts to reinforce the crucial last line of defence ahead of their top-flight return. Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Perri brings an impressive profile despite having just one season in France's top flight. Manager Daniel Farke has reportedly given the green light after careful consideration, confident in Perri's abilities. Last season, the Brazilian's post-shot xG performance (+3.8) even surpassed that of Liverpool's acclaimed Alisson Becker (+3.5), indicating his strong shot-stopping prowess. Beyond his shot-stopping, Perri's distribution technique is a standout feature. His ability to launch powerful throws beyond the halfway line promises to be a valuable asset, enabling Leeds to instigate rapid counter-attacks – a dimension the club has been keen to add to their play. This blend of defensive solidity and offensive initiation makes Perri an exciting prospect for the Whites. please log in to view this image Bamford 'Not fit for purpose' talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has commended Daniel Farke for his bold and "truthful" decision to part ways with long-serving striker Patrick Bamford. Despite some social media backlash over the seemingly "callous" approach, Jordan insists Farke has made the right call for the club's future. Bamford's tenure at Elland Road has been significantly hampered by a succession of injuries over the past three seasons, making his position at the club unattainable. Jordan was unequivocal in his assessment, branding the one-time England international as "well past his sell-by date." He argued that, aside from a solitary successful spell at Leeds, Bamford "has not scored the goals that the position he occupies should dictate." Jordan championed Farke's honesty, stating, “What is the problem with telling the truth? More plain speaking instead of doublespeak is beneficial.” He believes that acknowledging a player is "not fit for purpose" for a specific role, while potentially challenging, is a necessary and transparent approach that benefits all parties, provided it's delivered respectfully. Bamford now appears set to conclude his seven-year stint at Elland Road. He failed to score in 18 appearances last season, bringing his overall record to 60 goals in 205 appearances. His most prolific period was the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, where he netted 17 goals. Farke's difficult decision signals a pragmatic shift, prioritising current fitness and performance over past contributions. “He had one period of success at Leeds, and that elevated him for a period of time because we were looking for alternatives to Harry Kane "For most of his career, he has not scored the goals that the position he occupies should dictate. "What is the problem with telling the truth? Some people would say it would disadvantage the sale of an asset. The owners must want to downplay the level of contempt you have for a player. “In this instance, it is clear to him that the player is not fit for purpose, but it doesn’t mean he is not fit for purpose somewhere else. More plain speaking instead of doublespeak is beneficial. “People can cope with the truth as long as it is fair and is delivered in a manner which is respectful.” please log in to view this image Leeds to double their spending on last two (main) signings Leeds United's summer transfer window has seen substantial investment, with around £80 million already committed across seven new signings. While this marks a significant outlay, it's often considered a relatively conservative approach given their new Premier League status. However, the 49ers' spending spree could be poised for a dramatic escalation, potentially doubling their current expenditure on just two final, high-profile acquisitions. The focus is now squarely on bolstering the attacking third, notoriously the most expensive area of the pitch. At the top of Leeds' wish list are two formidable talents: Brazilian winger Igor Paixao from Feyenoord and striker Rodrigo Muniz, currently with Fulham. Feyenoord is reportedly demanding a hefty £35 million for Paixao, reflecting his considerable skill and potential impact. Similarly, Fulham has placed a substantial £50 million valuation on Muniz, indicating their high expectations for the forward. Should Leeds meet these demanding asking prices, the combined cost for Paixao and Muniz alone would total an eye-watering £85 million. This single pair of Brazilians would effectively over double the club's current summer spending, pushing the overall transfer bill closer to the £165 million mark. With this being the case, could we see multiple departures from the club beyond Meslier, Bamford, Greenwood, Joseph, Joffy and Gruev. please log in to view this image
Morning all Great thread Ell. Sky Italia are saying Gasperini at Roma are trying to hijack any Piaxoa deal Leeds may have on the table but plenty of other Italian outlets are saying Gasperini doesn’t have the cash to match Leeds…. Most sports outlets now saying Piaxoa is open to playing in the premier league so I think we need to worry about more established prem teams trying to hijack him.
It wouldn't suprise me if other Premier League clubs come in for Paixão. His stock is high but so is the price. That makes the transfer a bit of a risk financially. The fact he is currently injured might dissuade other clubs from coming in for him. Leeds are adamant that they want Muniz from Fulham. He is decent enough at PL level already but not quite good enough to dislodge Jiminez up front. Leeds seem to think he can lead us up the league table, they've seen something in him.
Took a relook at Perri's shot stopping stats v keepers from other top 5 leagues last season. His PSXG (post shots expected goals per 90 - (which is the best available stat for this... it assesses the likelihood of saving every shot on target) he's at +.12 which means he saved a goal against average every 8/9 games. It's decent. Though there were actually 9 keepers in ligue 1 with better stats. For reasons i don't know, Ligue1 keepers seem to have good shot stopping stats - so either its a breeding ground for good keepers or (more likely) the french league is populated with average strikers, who aren't that clinical. in terms of other stats... (these are just indications of his his positioning and style not how effective he is at them) he comes for a pretty average amount of crosses, less than average 'sweeping' plays (where he leaves his box to clear through balls) - and his positioning in terms of where he makes his plays in terms of distance from goal is again pretty average.
Yeah, it's not quite the coup that some fans think he is. He is better than Meslier but he isnt a world beater by any stretch.
Allegedly lots of clubs have taken a serious look at Paxaio but interestingly only us and Marseilles have been serious. He's 25, it's the Dutch league if he's half decent he should be ripping it up. I think he is one of those where the stats that really matter goals/assists are very good - but the rest of his stats are average - and in the modern game the big sides want the full package. I wasn't sure what all the fuss was re Muniz - its not a lot of goals/info to go on. No shame to not dislodge Jiminez who is excellent in my view. Boro fans i know weren't too impressed, not surprising as it didn't work out well for him on his loan there. I've looked at him a bit more recently and i can see why we like him. He's bigger than i realised, but still mobile, his all round game is good, he works hard on and off the ball. He's streaky but has scored goals over two seasons in the PL. He seemingly doesn't pass or assist! He's inconsistent but only recently turned 24. He has something about him. It's an expensive gamble.. but then aren't they all.
Afternoon all Muniz - My mate supports Fulham, said he’d have been happy if Fulham got £20m for him, described him as bang average and a bit slow, very happy they’re upgrading him and hopefully losing his wage. Perri - He’s got to be an upgrade on Meslier. Meslier has poor positioning, poor at crosses, useless facing penalties, bad distribution he would comfortably be the worst keeper in the PL even if you threw in everyone’s else’s number 2 Paxaio - He has an injury that might put a few off, if we can jump in quick before interest builds great. Bamford - Not fit for purpose, ffs he is a human being who tried, he’s no longer required and not in our future plans but not fit for purpose is harsh.
Given that he’s never fit, I’d say it’s an accurate assessment of him (if the purpose is to be fit to play football of course). Harsh but fair.
Simon Jordan is a bitter cnut who hates Bamford and couldn't wait to put the boot in ... he was a failure as Palace Chairwoman, they kicked on once he fkd off
