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Good Morning. It's Friday 10th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Saudi Billionaires Prepare Gnonto bids
Reports emerging from Saudi Arabia suggest that powerful investors linked to Neom and Al-Ittihad are preparing bids to lure Wilfried Gnonto away from Elland Road in January. With the financial muscle of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) backing them, the Saudi clubs are said to be crafting offers that could prove irresistible to both player and club. However, Leeds are expected to hold their ground, knowing full well the importance of Gnonto to their promotion ambitions.
Leeds face a financial dilemma
Gnonto, who still has nearly three years left on his current contract, represents one of Leeds’ most prized assets. Selling him mid-season would not only weaken their attacking options but could also be financially complex given an alleged 40% sell-on clause owed to his former club, FC Zurich. Such a clause would significantly reduce Leeds’ profit from any sale, making a winter exit unlikely unless an extraordinary offer arrives.
Focus on recovery and the future
After a promising start to the campaign, the young Italian’s progress was halted by a calf injury. As he edges closer to full fitness, Gnonto’s focus will be on recapturing his early-season form and reaffirming his role as one of Leeds’ brightest attacking sparks. Turning 22 next month, his best years are still ahead—something both Leeds and potential suitors are acutely aware of. Whether the club chooses to cash in or double down on his development, January is shaping up to be a decisive chapter in the Gnonto story.
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Lucas Radebe: The Heart of Leeds United and a Voice Against Racism
When Nelson Mandela visited Leeds in 2001, he called Lucas Radebe his hero—a tribute that perfectly captured the South African defender’s extraordinary journey from Soweto to Elland Road. Though sidelined at the time with a knee injury during Leeds United’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, Radebe’s influence extended far beyond the pitch. He had become both the soul of David O’Leary’s side and a global ambassador for unity and equality in football.
More than two decades later, Beren Cross of The Athletic revisits Radebe’s story with the same warmth and admiration Leeds supporters have long held for their former captain. Now 56, Radebe remains grounded and quietly proud, continuing his work with the club that became his second home. On a recent visit to Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ Primary School near Leeds, he joined children in a workshop for the No Room for Racism campaign—proof that his leadership spirit has never faded.
Radebe’s advocacy against racism is deeply personal. Arriving in England in 1994 alongside compatriot Philemon Masinga, he found a city and sport still coming to terms with diversity. “We didn’t see any Black people in the terraces,” he once recalled. Encounters with teammates such as Chris Fairclough gave him hope, but racial abuse—like the ugly incident at Leicester in 1999—reminded him of the work still to be done. He responded by supporting campaigns like Kick It Out, helping pave the way for a new generation of African stars to thrive in the Premier League.
Today, as Leeds United’s official club ambassador, Radebe’s mission continues. He speaks passionately about educating young players on respect and equality, seeing football as a global language that can bridge divides. His presence in schools, his role as mentor, and his enduring humility make him a rare figure in modern sport—one who embodies both resilience and compassion.
For Leeds fans around the globe and South Africans alike, Radebe is more than a football legend; he’s a symbol of dignity and progress. As Mandela once saw in him a hero, countless youngsters now see in Radebe the same—a guiding light proving that greatness is not only measured in matches won, but in lives he continuous to inspire.
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Could Leeds still be owed £37m in transfer fees?
According to Spanish outlet Cule Mania, Barcelona have so far only paid £21m of the £58m owed for Brazilian winger Raphinha, leaving a outstanding balance of £37m. Under the terms of the transfer agreement, the Catalan club must settle the outstanding amount before the end of the current season. Any delay or failure to meet this obligation could reportedly trigger a substantial fine—something Barcelona, already dealing with ongoing financial challenges, will be eager to avoid as they seek to stabilise their accounts before the 2025/26 campaign.
Leeds’ Perspective: A Timely Financial Boost?
For Leeds, the situation presents both a source of relief and uncertainty. The club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance has become a critical factor in shaping their transfer strategy, particularly heading into the January window. If Barcelona meet their payment deadline, the £37m influx could significantly ease financial pressures, offering Leeds more flexibility to strengthen the squad without breaching PSR limits.
Factoring the windfall: Is the money still owed?
Questions remain about whether Barcelona still owe Leeds the money directly. Reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post suggest that Barcelona borrowed funds to settle the transfer fee in full, meaning the outstanding debt could now sit with a third-party creditor rather than Leeds themselves.
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