The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 4th August)

Good Morning. It's Monday 4th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Injuries mounting for season opener

Leeds United are facing multiple injury concerns ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League opener against Everton in a fortnight. A quintet of players have picked up various knocks during pre-season, leaving their availability for the crucial fixture uncertain.

Among those battling to be fit is Jayden Bogle, currently nursing a hip flexor issue. Winger Dan James and goalkeeper Lucas Perri are both dealing with knocks, while Jack Harrison has sustained a groin strain, adding to manager Daniel Farke's concerns as he prepares his squad for the top-flight return.

However, the most worrying injury appears to be that of Sebastiaan Bornauw. The defender is grappling with a calf injury, which has been deemed the most serious among the group. Manager Daniel Farke is understandably taking an extremely cautious approach with all five players, particularly Bornauw, to avoid exacerbating their respective issues and ensure long-term fitness.

This string of pre-season injuries presents an early challenge for Farke, who will be keen to have as strong a squad as possible available for the visit of Everton. The coming fortnight will be vital for these players' rehabilitation as they push to be declared fit for the Everton encounter, with their recovery progress undoubtedly being closely monitored.

please log in to view this image

Does Piroe’s pre-season haul earn him a Premier League start

Joel Piroe's impressive 2025 pre-season has sparked significant optimism regarding his role in Leeds United's upcoming Premier League campaign. The 26-year-old has evidently bulked up over the summer, presenting himself in the finest form Leeds fans have witnessed.

His pre-season displays have been multifaceted and impactful. Against Manchester United in Sweden, Piroe showcased not just movement and vision but also created key chances. He followed this with a thrashed finish and a spot-kick against SC Verl, a tidy goal against Paderborn, and a close-range effort versus Villarreal. As last season’s Championship Golden Boot winner, Piroe is consistently overcoming the defences in front of him, ensuring his goal-scoring habit remains sharp.

Despite Piroe's standout form, a significant portion of Leeds war chest has been reserved for top-tier striker. with Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz still Leeds proffered choice. Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz is understood to be Leeds' preferred choice to bolster their attacking options, but first the Cottagers must find a suitable replacement. Furthermore, Leeds must navigate the risk of more established clubs swooping in to poach the talented forward, from under their noses.

please log in to view this image

Schmidt's Apathy Seals Elland Road Exit

Isaac Schmidt's lacklustre performance against Villarreal at the weekend has all but confirmed his impending departure from Elland Road this summer. The versatile Swiss international, a £2.5 million acquisition from St Gallen just twelve months ago, had previously shown enough flashes of brilliance to prompt fan criticism over his limited game time under Daniel Farke last season.

However, recent media reports have strongly suggested Schmidt has been actively pushing for a summer move, driven by his ambition to secure a spot in Switzerland's World Cup squad next summer. His display on Saturday did little to dispel these notions.

Starting brightly, Schmidt's performance rapidly deteriorated. He was frequently dispossessed carelessly, struggled to contain Villarreal's attacking threat down his flank, and conspicuously failed to prevent the cutback for their second-half goal. His lack of effort in this crucial moment has led many to question his commitment and temperament.

With Bogle sidelined for an unspecified period, this match offered Schmidt a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth against Everton. Instead, his uninspired showing suggests he shouldn't merely be out of the starting XI, but perhaps nowhere near the matchday squad itself.

please log in to view this image

 

Morning all

I don’t feel Bornauw would be above Rodon and Bijol in the pecking order, James is expected back for the final friendly. Bogle is a big worry, as for Piroe deserving a starting slot, there is no alternative yet

Harrison, I don’t want to ever see him in a Leeds shirt again so apart from the fact it might hinder a transfer out, he can remain injured

 

Why wouldn't piroe deserve a starting slot ? he's our only striker of note, cool finisher,looks fitter,good technique, seldom injured, doesn't seem a billy big bollox (unlike unproven Matteo), trusted penalty taker....yep let's stick him on his arse on the bench ... Harrison should be made to sweep and mop the changing rooms...bornauw could be bamfords treatment room replacement ...we need to stick it up the toffees, arsenal and toon await after

 

We need to start some heavy business this week especially moving players out. Couple of stories around on the striker front both interesting as both claim Adam Underwood has or is involved. Firstly 21yo Gonzales Garcia from Real Madrid is now available to loan as long as he gets plenty of game time. Underwood made enquiries a few weeks ago but was told they were keeping him, but now decided they have enough and want Garcia to go out on loan with no option to buy. A loan helps PSR. Secondly Artem Dobvyk is being moved out of Roma under the new management structure so even though Dobvyk had a great season he doesn’t fit Gasperiniball. Underwood has spoken to Roma but they wanted £35m and were hoping for a tug of war but nobody was willing to pay that so the price has dropped significantly. We wait and see.

Im with Ristac on Harrison

 

My personal view is that piroe has played better off the bench for us, when games have slowed down and opened up a bit. But in PL where we likely will have far less possession and may set up to play more on the break he may be more effective from the off. Good chance we'll find out.

 

Harrison ain't injured he just didn't want the flack at ER. He knows his place good lad.

 

A player that impressed me v Villareal was Aaronson. He was everywhere. Committed, less theatrical and decent link up play...

 

he also got no protection from the ref so took a lot of whacks, but got straight back up and he was our best player I thought

 

Good to see James being back for the final friendly. If we go 4-3-3 I could see us going James, Nmecha & Aaronson as our top 3.

 

Everton submit official bid (rumoured to be £32m) for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to join on permanent deal from Chelsea.

 

Burnley just signed a Chelsea player too

 

So Everton are skint and can still pay more than us for players. Hmmm

 

Aleksandar Mitrović - His agent is offering him around to PL clubs including ourselves

 

Not only that Kev but they are also on the verge of another £30m+ signing for Tyler Dibling from Southampton that’s £60m+ today

 

Would love this guy simply because he guarantees goals and goals means safety. A striker like him who is proven at International level EFP, EPL, Europe and scores for fun. Hes just scored nearly 70 goals in Saudi in about as many games, eclipsing anyone else including Ronaldo. He will be cheap but his wages…… Kalimundo has still to drop yet too

 

Would want massive wages for a player on the downhill slope.

 

Its infuriating

 

Not really. Spunking 60 mill on Dewsbury-Hall and some bloke I’ve never heard of reeks of desperation.

 

Soton have turned down their second offer of £35m plus £8m add ons they want £45m plus add ons.

 

Dewsbury Hall wouldn’t be a bad signing for Everton but if we paid 32m for him it’d be fuming.