The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 15th August)

Good Morning. It's Friday 15th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Is Okafar on his way to ER

Leeds United appear to be intensifying their pursuit of AC Milan forward Noah Okafor, as manager Daniel Farke looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season. While no official club-to-club discussions have commenced, whispers from sources close to the player suggest Leeds are firmly in the mix.

Reliable podcaster Ger Lynch, speaking on his popular YouTube channel 'The Leeds View', revealed he'd heard a whisper that the 25-year-old Swiss international had already held talks with Leeds United, alongside two other unnamed Premier League clubs. Although unsubstantiated, this indicates a strong interest from the player's side in a potential move to England.

Okafor spent the latter half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Napoli, making four appearances and contributing to their Serie A title win. His potential move to RB Leipzig in January had previously fallen through, suggesting he may be keen for more consistent game time.

A seasoned Switzerland international, Okafor has earned 24 caps, scoring twice, and represented his country at the World Cup. Crucially for Leeds, his versatility is a significant draw for Farke. Okafor is adept at playing as a central striker or on either flank, although his preferred position is as an inverted left winger, cutting inside.

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Could Ioannidis complete Leeds ensemble up front

Leeds United could be lining up a move for Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis, as manager Daniel Farke desperately seeks attacking reinforcements to bolster the Whites' Premier League survival hopes. This pursuit comes as Leeds continue to reinforce their attacking options, even after securing Dominic Calvert-Lewin's signature.

Farke is keen to resolve the club's issues at the top of the pitch, and Ioannidis emerges as a prime candidate. The 25-year-old boasts an impressive record of 48 goals in 168 appearances for Panathinaikos, demonstrating his consistent scoring ability. He has also found the net six times in 17 caps for the Greek national team, showcasing his international pedigree.

Standing at 6 foot 2 inches tall, Ioannidis is known for his strength in the air, combined with excellent pace and finishing prowess. Fans might recall his appearance in Panathinaikos' Champions League qualifying defeat against Rangers last month.

Leeds face competition for the Greek international, with Ipswich having shown interest last summer, while Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon and Porto also remain keen. While Leeds retain an interest in Norwich forward Josh Sargent, whom Farke previously managed at Carrow Road, Ioannidis currently appears to be the priority target as the transfer window enters its crucial final weeks.

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Day of reckoning for El Khannouss move

Today is the day of reckoning for the future of highly-rated midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, with a critical deadline set to pass at midnight. The 21-year-old’s release clause, which allows clubs to sign him for a fixed fee, will expire tonight, forcing interested parties to make their move or face tougher negotiations with Leicester City.

The exact figure of the buyout clause has been subject to conflicting reports, with suggestions ranging from £24.5 million to £30 million. It is understood, however, that the Foxes are determined to secure a fee close to the £30 million mark. Should the clause expire without being triggered, Leicester will be in a much stronger position to remain stubborn on their valuation, potentially driving the price even higher.

The race for his signature has seen several twists. Newcastle United’s interest has reportedly wavered as they explore a move for Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey. Tottenham Hotspur, however, remain alert and are closely monitoring the situation. A new contender could also emerge in Crystal Palace, who may enter the fray as a potential suitor for the Moroccan international, particularly if they lose their own star playmaker, Eberechi Eze, to a rumoured move to Arsenal.

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Well the difference between Leeds and clubs like Everton, Forest etc is that when they make an approach they follow through with an offer. Sick of hearing about how we are known to have links to a player, enquired about him and then not put an offer in. Guess what the player is snapped up and gone and we have seen this with our forward targets constantly. Guess what happens then our so called list is gone and we end up looking at players who were never good enough to be on the list in the first place like the Greek striker.

BEK is yet another player being spoken about for weeks and up to yesterday we hadn’t put an offer in for him even though plenty of reports said we had. If we do get him it will be because Newcastle, Palace etc had moved on to other targets.

Forest yesterday are showing why they can beat the drop and sod the rules. James McCatee another player linked to us signed for them, Doulas Louiz another linked player on his way to Forest, Omari Hutchinson on his way and another Leeds linked striker Kalimuendo signed by Forest yesterday.

 

Correct and proof being there was nobody put a bid in for any of the signings we did make. Not even the usual rumours that PSG and Man City were interested. I still believe Kinnear left for a reason

 

Whilst i agree that it's concerning that we have missed a few targets, I feel the need to point out that we aren't operating on the same level as the Forests, Evertons, Bournemouths and Brentfords of this league.

Forest spend £35 million on McAtee who has already been relegated a couple of times. I'd rather not spend our budget on McAtee.

El Kanouuss has the power to pick which club he goes to. As much as we love Leeds, if I was his agent, id be telling him to go to Palace, Newcastle etc over a newly promoted club. Kalimuendo would never come to us this season.

We are shopping at Aldi because the security at Waitrose wont let us in. When Forest broke the rules they spent £200 million on the likes of O'Brien, Toffolo, Chris Wood. They weren't Champions League winners to the rescue. They just bought en masse and threw everybody in the deep end to see who would swim the best. They got incredibly lucky that first season and should be used as an example of how not to run a club.

Who are the 'known' players we have enquired about?

 

Morning to everyone, been busy with various things so trying to catch up with postings.
Have we signed DCL from Everton or not, I don’t see any interview with him or have I missed something here?

 

If medical has gone ok then it should be announced today. Farke might even announce it in his presser later.

 

James Justin rumours seem to have more substance as the days move on.

I hate this transfer if true. He was abysmal last season and since his serious knee injury a few years ago has not been at the races. Hopefully this one isnt true.

 

Thanks for the update.
I cannot see how this is going to work, he is a Bamford mark II, one thing that looks more like a possibility is that Farke shall be the first PL manager to get his P45

 

It’s not possible for him to pass a medical !! Is it.

 

Forest, Brentford and Bournemouth have only been in the premier league a couple of seasons but done well and have pulled up the drawbridge behind them. Everton cheated and saying we are shopping at Aldi makes no sense as it’s not stopped Sunderland who actually got the bulk of their signings done weeks ago and not Aldi players. We have been linked to Plenty of top wingers and strikers Kalimuendo the latest and he refused to come to Leeds, Krystovic also refused Leeds

 

Do you not think Sunderland overpaid for their signings?

 

Maybe but they have signed some very good players and have just signed another right back. Nordi Mukiele French and now coming in from Lerkusen. Think that’s 13 new players and not far off £150m spent

 

Ben Doak to Bournemouth £25m which replaces the winger they just sold to Brentford