The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 2nd October)

Good Morning. It's Thursday 2nd October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Leeds turned down Solomon loan

Leeds United’s summer recruitment drive was always going to be defined by tough decisions, and one of the most notable came in the forward department. Adam Pope has revealed that the Whites were presented with the opportunity to bring Manor Solomon back on loan after his highly productive spell in the Championship last season, but ultimately chose to splash out £18m on the services of Noah Okafor from AC Milan instead.

Solomon, who contributed 10 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last term, played a central role in Leeds’ push back to the top flight. His creativity, direct dribbling, and ability to unlock defences made him a favourite among supporters, many of whom hoped his temporary stay would transition into a permanent deal. Instead, the Israeli winger departed for Villarreal, where he has already found early success with a goal and an assist in La Liga.

Whilst both Solomon and Okafor have had more than their fair share of injuries, Okafor brings with him Champions League experience, and versatility across the front line. He has already shown flashes of brilliance with his pace, movement, and composure, suggesting Leeds may have chosen wisely. His ability to stretch defences and cut inside, occupying central areas offers Daniel Farke new tactical options.

On the flipside, the money could have been put to good use elsewhere, plugging gaping holes in the final third. Perplexing as it may be, Leeds are one of the only top flight clubs not to take advantage of the loan market, a decision that could make Premier League survival that much more difficult, come May.

According to Popey:- “The situation with Solomon is that I understand Leeds United could have had him back on loan for a second spell from Spurs, but decided to buy Noah Okafor from AC Milan instead.” “Solomon’s injury record in recent seasons, I believe, was a consideration why United were inclined not to seek a permanent deal for the Israel international.”

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Jaka Bijol yet to make his mark

The arrival of Jaka Bijol at Elland Road in June was met with considerable optimism. This 26-year-old Slovenian international defender, a commanding presence at the back for Udinese since 2022, was not just a capable player but a respected figure. His reputation extended beyond his defensive prowess; his character had evidently endeared him to the Udinese faithful, making his transfer to the prestigious Premier League a significant talking point, not least in his homeland of Slovenia, where such moves are always keenly followed. The excitement surrounding his signing suggested a player ready to make an immediate impact.

However, the reality of Bijol's situation at Leeds United has sharply contrasted with the initial enthusiasm. Despite the high hopes, the Slovenian defender has yet to feature in a single minute of league football. The crucial, initial reason for this unexpected stall was a suspension carried over from his previous club, Udinese. This disciplinary carry-over meant he was unavailable for selection in Leeds' season-opening fixture against Everton, a missed opportunity that undoubtedly cost him his first chance to impress manager Daniel Farke and stake a claim for a starting berth.

Since that initial setback, the landscape has continued to present challenges. The primary obstacle now is not a personal failing on Bijol's part, but rather the formidable defensive solidity of the Leeds United team itself. With the established backline performing exceptionally well and effectively shutting out opposition attacks, Daniel Farke has found little incentive to disrupt a winning formula. An unfortunate outing in a cup competition further compounded Bijol's quest to break into the manager's immediate plans, creating what can only be described as a perfect storm of circumstances keeping him on the sidelines.

Slovenia's national team manager, Matjaž Kek, recently addressed Bijol's lack of game time. While naturally disappointed for his player, Kek demonstrated a clear understanding of Farke's pragmatic approach to team selection.

“This is also about the red card from Italy, which was why he was not in the coach’s first plans. The team is starting to play well, they are not conceding goals, why would he change? Add to that an unfortunate match in the cup and things have come together like this.

“To get through here, you have to be both mentally and physically at the highest level. Jaka told me well three weeks ago: ‘The Premier League, this is something special, something different.’ “He has to get used to it, adapt and at a certain point have a little luck too.”

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Morning all - I thought Bijol might have been given a chance after the Arsenal defeat, hopefully he will be happy to wait his turn and when it comes, make the position his own with an outstanding performance

 

Must admit Id forgotten Bijol. Im sure injuries at some point will allow him his chance

 

Terror attack in Manchester


https://x.com/Theoriginalpip/status/1973699965156544576?t=ooIbY7Kjxh1Et3kl8MKefQ&s=19

 

My only issue with Bijol is in the event of an injury he won’t be match fit, I think Farke needs to manage his minutes to allow for this.
Secondly, Pope ‘understood’ that Dan James was out for the season but appears to be wrong about that, so I’m a bit hmm about Solomon.

 

Evening.

The day Bijol was announced I posted on the forum that he "was a **** Charlie Cresswell".

I know it's early but anyone think he is anything different to the above?

 

He’s quality imo. World class in fact. And a future winner of the Ballon d’Or.

 

Don’t know because I’ve barely seen either of them play (and I don’t think in the prem).

 

You undoubtedly have an eye for a player but even you can’t claim to be right until the guy has played At least I watched Charlie play live before stating he is no Beckenbaur

 

Lol. Seemed a bit quiet so thought I'd stir it up a bit.

In all seriousness, Bijol hasn't managed to dislodge Struijk or Rodon from the side. When he played in the cup he looked out of sorts.

Don't get me started on Bornauw.