The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th July) Scroungers from Seville strike again
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 17th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Scroungers from Seville strike again
Just when we thought we'd seen the last of Victor Orta's crippling loan clauses, another crazy plot is set to play out right in-front of our eyes! This time it involves attacking wing-back Junior Firpo, who may be trying to get his own back after being told he is not allowed to go to the Olympics with the Dominican Republic! Now, just several days later, we hear he plans see out his contract in the South of Spain!
Similar to Rodrigo and Koch before him, the former Barca defender has a stipulation in his terms that allow him to spend his final season on loan wherever he likes - enter Real Betis into the equation!
They have already claimed the services of Marc Roca and Diego Llorente for negligible fee's this Summer, and are now set to add Firpo to that list. I don't know who I'm more embarrassed for; Leeds for being taken for a ride more times than a London cabbie, or the scroungers from Seville with their begging bowl!
Are we going to have any players left
Players are leaving thick and fast, and with only three weeks left until the new season kicks off, Leeds could be in a worse state than they were in this time last year! Roca, Llorente, Greenwood, Gyabi, Gray, Kamara, Cresswell, Cooper, Klaesson and Shackleton have already departed ER this Summer, and Firpo, Kristensen and possibly Gnonto are not far behind.
Landing Rodon was a massive achievement, but Cairns and Rothwell will offer very little to our first team plans. We're desperately chasing Sheffield Utd's Jaiden Bogle, but as things stand (if Firpo leaves) Sam Byram will be our only recognised full back at the club!
Young Whites win in Scotland
Leeds United's Under-18s and Under-21s both emerged victorious yesterday afternoon from their trip to Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, home of Scottish Giants Rangers training ground. Whilst the U18’s coasted to a 3-0 win, Paco Gallardo’s team had a much harder challenge on their hands against Rangers ‘B’ squad. The only goal of the game came from 16yo England youth International Jacob Render, who had come on as a second half substitute. Whites shot-stopper Rory Mahady (only 17) had to be at his best to deny the 55 time Scottish Champions. The narrow victory was made even more satisfying, as he had been bought up through the Junior ranks at Celtic Park!
Closer to home, the Senior squad had a behind the doors friendly against Michael Skubala's Lincoln City at Thorp Arch!
Leeds set crazy price for turncoat
Leeds are in advanced talks with Eintracht Frankfurt, regarding the sale of turn-coat Rasmus Kristensen! The 27yo right-back was due to report back for pre-season training this Friday, having travelled with Denmark to the Euro’s (even though he didn’t play), but now it seems he may be off to the Bundesliga! It’s almost a year exactly since he turned his back on Leeds, joining Roma on a season long loan. He made 29 appearances (19 starts) for them last season, proving to many, that he may not be as bad as first thought, promting Leeds to hike the price up!
Either Sky Sports Germany have got the decimal point in the wrong place or the Elland Road board have been on the sherry, with reports in the papers insisting that Leeds are asking for £12.6m. He has 3 years left on his contract and although his preferred position is right back, he can also play as a centre half.