Leeds Banter 2

12 May 2026 13:59:02
The post that no one wants to discuss much. We're all obsessed with building on our season, moving on the dead wood, funding exciting new signings and keeping our stars.

Realistically though, we have to be prepared for bids for players we'd rather not see leave. Ofc no one wants to see Amps, Gabby, Stach or even Okafor leave. But imo these are the four that other clubs can't help view as attractive. I'm not saying I want any of them sold, heavens no!

But if Villa or Newcastle or another lower-team sneaking into the Champions League in particular lodged a £60m bid for Amps, £50m for Stach, £35m for Okafor or Gabby, they might well view that as a challenge they fancy, and who could blame them. I don't want any of these players sold.

My point is, the Stach and maybe Amps deals are 'silly' money territory. It could happen.

12 May 2026 15:11:10
Isn't Ampadu in his final year of contract to 2027? He will very likely leave, imo, unless Leeds offer him a huge contract, highest-paid Leeds player, on par with DCL!

Think Struick defo goes too!

Stach and Okafor may be sold, but only if huge transfer fees are offered, so expect both will be at Leeds next season.



Not that bothered if Gabi goes, (very) overrated imo; but think he likely stays.

It's Amps and Struick leaving this summer, imo.

12 May 2026 15:26:09
Good points, Ealing! I guess it's a result of our success that this is highly likely, though I would like to think that the players have bought into a long-term project, and also the unity will play a part in their thinking.

Obviously, if silly money is offered the 9ers may be tempted, but I hope they too have a long-term strategy that means they want to keep quality. I would not want to lose any of the mentioned players. We need to build around them.

12 May 2026 15:38:23
I think (im not sure) that Amps' contract is to 2027, but that we have an option to extend to 2028.

12 May 2026 15:55:18
Would you have Ethan at top of our most wanted list ?

I wouldn't.

12 May 2026 16:09:50
60 million for Ampadu? Is it Comic Relief Day already?!

12 May 2026 16:12:40
Just to chuck it in there, but there is, of course, one other who only has a year on his contract, DF. Would clubs be looking at his CV?

12 May 2026 16:41:42
Ok Davey,

So I am interested in your opinion: which clubs in England, in a higher position than Leeds United, would genuinely be looking to hire Farkey?

Possibly Fulham? (If Silva doesn't renew contract and leaves in summer) ?

Credit to Farkey though, he has done pretty well this season (better than expected) post Man Citeh away!

12 May 2026 16:49:57
I am thinkin more likely abroad, Baz, Bundesliga?

12 May 2026 17:01:48
Not a bad shout, Davey.

12 May 2026 13:47:23
Weren’t Rodon n Bijol excellent last night, truly great performances.
Ampadu was back to his best too.
On to Brighton, who we definitely owe one.

12 May 2026 15:12:56
Rodon throughout the season and Bijol since late November have been rock solid.

13 May 2026 12:58:27
Totally agree, gents.

12 May 2026 13:34:59
If I can do deals in my sleep Paraag can coax

£6m for Harrison
£10m for Ramazani
£10m for Piroe
£8m for Dan James
£5m for Bornauw
£10-12m for Tanaka
£10-12m for Gruev
£10-15m for Gelhardt
£3m for Wober, basically just book it as neutral for PSR, and taking a hit on a bit of his wages.

I also think its a massive stick or twist period for Aaronson. He has two years left on his deal. Either we have to decide to give him a new deal and protect his sell-on value, or hope he has a good world cup and try and get £20m+ for him. Personally, I'm hoping for the latter. There's no denying he's had a much better season than I anticipated though. He does remain attractive to American owners though, no doubt.

I'll give him a pass on Mateo Joseph given he's got an ACL injury.


Meslier leaving, wages of i'm guessing 40k off the books. 25K a week on Bouonotte's loan. 10K on Byram's deal.

IF Paraag did all of this - he won't, we'd raise £75mish purely on outgoing fees, not including BA.

Apart from Kalvin, Raphinha, Cry, Archie and Georgi our selling has been atrocious for years, particularly with getting fees for players we want to move.

We'd have to: Give Darlow a new 1yr deal (with a second year triggered if we stay up next season) . He has his iffy moments but clearly the Welsh contingent are comfortable with him.

At least explore improved terms for Ampadu. Two years left with a club option sounds like a long time. It isn't.

Optimistically, let's say we get the £75m and investment takes us to spending £110m overall, I'd present the following options.

LWB - Depth/ Gabby support

Top: Diouf (West Ham) De Cuyper (Brighton - though he's finishing the season strong) or Hartmann (Burnley) Each would be approx £20m I'd think.

Mid: None

Budget tier Ben Davies £5m - Welsh camarderie. Basically becomes Byram but probably 5-10% better.

CB

Top: Disasi £20m - West Ham generally look a different team defensively with him in it.

Mid: Mavropanos £10-12M - Looked awful at the start, looks better with someone half decent (ie. not Kilman) next to him.

Budget: Adam Webster (free) . ACL injury recovered and not getting a new deal with Brighton.

CDM/ CM

Top: Eric Martel Koln 6'4 free agent. Looks really good, clear upgrade on Gruev or AO.

Mid: Hidemasa Morita. Also free but at 31 we'll probably get the twilight of his prime with no sell on value

Budget: Take Halseth Nypan or Echeverri on loan from City.

Wing

Top: Abdul Fatawu £20m. 18 months removed from a bad ACL. Leicester's best player (not saying a lot) but tore up the Prem before. Try and get Cry back (£25m) .

Mid: Matheus Mane £15M

Budget: Stick with what we have.

STK

Top: Jonas Wind - Wolsburg - free - free agent a proper target man. 6'3, 27, bit injury prone this year but hit double digits in most other Bundesliga seasons. Injury might be less of an issue if he rotates with DCL.

Mid - Zian Flemming - 6'1 can play 10 or nine. £10-15m Apparently quite technical, so could be our missing 10. In any case the versatility is attractive, as is his understanding with Hartman. We take one of those two we take both.

Budget. Callum Wilson £5m. Seems to come up with key goals and might be a decent backup to DCL. Or a flier on perenially injured Evan Ferguson, but we'd be buying low on a player who has had so much talent over the years. Lois Openda who we've been linked with on a loan with obligation after performance-related targets hit.

Doing deals for Hartmann, Disasi, Flemming, Fatawu would be around £80m you'd think and either become instant starters or on par depth for the existing squad.

12 May 2026 19:12:38
I think we will struggle to get anybody to take Harrison at the moment after two fell placements. It's not looking good for him. I'll take a million and be done with it. Good post, mate.

12 May 2026 21:40:48
I don't see any vast improvement with them players, to be honest, and to spend £80m on them, which would be probably over 2/3rds of our budget, is ludicrous.

12 May 2026 22:43:29
Ealing, be great if can offload some of those players and get a decent starting kitty. Think ideally need to spend 100-130m, and if can raise 60+ from sales
Re BA, a sell. Try recoup, but he not good enough, even though he works hard
Not heard of that striker, tall and scores. I do rate Duran, but big money, but might be able to tempt
I know not a popular opinion, but I'd try sell Struijk, slow and out of position a lot, good in opposition box though, but I'd go for Mavropanos and Daisia
I just have this feeling Wilson wants to join his Welsh mates, probably won't happen
Also a budget winger from Leicester be Mavrapidi.

12 May 2026 10:10:47
Resilience, strength and togetherness were the words Farke used to describe the team. We now know these have characteristics and they are evident in our performances. I'm very pleased with the job Daniel Farke is doing.
We have 44pts with two to play and are safe. Everyone of us would have been happy with that at the start of the season.
The main nucleus of 16/ 17 players are the foundation to build on. The fringe players all need upgrading with better players to add depth to the squad, with some of the new players coming in to be first choice starters.

Going back to the initial part of the season when results weren't great and then the change after the City game, along with the system suiting us better, there may have been a psychological element to the players' performance when they saw they could compete and this gave them the belief they needed.

There is the big step up from the Championship for the players and there is a learning curve. The adjustment to playing in the Premier League every week and getting to the level of performance required from you as a player, coupled with Daniel Farke's knowledge from the past, probably were all contributing factors to the upturn in performances and results.
We will be respected more now going forward as we are now not an easy team to play against.

12 May 2026 11:52:59
Personally, I think that's an excellent post, 70!
Agreed on all counts. Next season might also be tougher than this, as a lot of teams will see taking a point from us at Elland Road as a good result. This makes our recruitment, as you imply, critical. They did a good job last season imo, so there's no real reason to doubt them.

12 May 2026 13:23:07
Great post, 70.. spot on.

Hopefully, we can maintain our 2026 performance levels into next season. As they said in commentary, we would have been pushing for Europe had we started better.

I think we have become a respected team.

12 May 2026 13:42:02
Really good post, 70.

12 May 2026 13:45:54
Yep. Good post, 70. Nailed it.

12 May 2026 14:49:40
Can't disagree with any of that, 1970. Good post.
The ideology is firmly driven into the players and what it means to play for Leeds United and what the fans expect from them.
They also understand the style of play and when to change and adapt during games.
I think Farke and his staff totally get what it all means, and their part is so important to guide the players through the Premiership and to improve them.

I don't think there's a lot of trust in our owners yet, but perhaps that has to be earned with how they take our club forward from here on.


Have no doubt in my mind, they will spend as much as is allowed and that recruitment are already identifying their targets.
We will not be spending a huge amount and from what I hear already, it is slightly less than last summer. So, being very precise with our targets will be absolutely imperative.

I've personally got a lot of faith in this current ownership and the people involved in it.
The signs are very good so far.

12 May 2026 07:39:13
{Ed's Note - MCR has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool, Brighton and the Third-Man Run Problem

12 May 2026 07:08:09
Bit of a weird game that one.
Spurs really let us back into it by sitting back and trying to hold on to the lead. Thought we were average at best. Few comments on the game.
No card for penalty?
Great save by their goalie.
Dcl was useless other than cracking penalty.
James is not prem quality. Gnonto shoulda started. Way better than James.
Darlow iffy today.
How long did the ref take giving an obvious penalty? Looking at the screen I could almost hear him saying “bugger I’m gonna have to give it.”
I’d be playing Longstaff over Tanaka.

As I said before. His decision making gets him in to trouble.
13-15 min added time. Was 8 at best.
But happy with another point. Didn’t think we would get it tbh.
As some have said. Need an overhaul. Need to get rid of as many of the loanees as possible and few of the squad players too.

12 May 2026 09:19:57
Apart from the last sentence.. My sentiments too, Aus.

12 May 2026 09:53:27
I was there last night and the mood amongst the fans was that he didn't really turn up in the first half. It took their goal and the substitutions to give us a lift, then we had a real go, and could have won it. It was a very weak referee, who bizarrely missed the kick on Ampadu.

The 13 minutes surprised us all, we thought 8 - 9 at the most. Not a great performance, but the team showed a tremendous amount of courage and spirit to come away with a point.

12 May 2026 09:57:14
Largely agree there, Aus. Will give DJ benefit of doubt fornkast night, given it's a first start in donkeys, nd a different role, but honestly dont believe he can help us to the next level. Tanaka was very disappointing for me, and Longstaff seems to offer more bite, more dynamism, and much more attacking threat and intent.


Was pleased to see us holding off our beach time mentality, tho I never doubted that with these players.
Huge credit to their GK after his Euro humiliation by Tudor. Those were 2 world class saves imo, and have possibly kept Spurs up.

12 May 2026 10:10:05
Time has come.
We desperately need a goal scorer this summer. It's crucial, and last night highlighted how thin our squad really is.

Hopefully, we don't repeat our past mistake and believe we have enough in the squad to withstand another stint at prem next year.

Dan James - Baracus, miles & miles off level required.

12 May 2026 10:34:12
Aus is bang on. We definitely need to shift the loan players and a few of the current squad.

12 May 2026 10:43:05
We defo need to sign further RB/RWB and LB/LWB in summer.

Farkey should realise that DJ and esp WG do not possess the defensive attributes, esp to play wingback.

12 May 2026 10:49:41
We defo need quality goalscoring and creative additions in midfield and attack.

As for DCL being supposedly 'useless'.. if he had been injured for most of the season, we would be in the bottom 3, and he has been our most important player this season.

12 May 2026 11:21:26
Agree and disagree, Aus.
I wouldn't say DCL was useless, he was ploughing a lone furrow up front without the usual support from Okafor, Bogle and Gudmundsson. Cracking pen tho.
I agree James isn't prem level, but last night he was asked to cover for Bogle, and gave it his best shot in a role he's not physically suited to. In that role, I suggest WG would have been no better, maybe even worse.


Tanaka is often a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde, and last night, more of the latter. He should've been subbed by Longstaff much earlier, when it was clear things weren't working for him.
The rest I agree.
I'd add Ampadu MOTM for his overall performance and leadership qualities.

12 May 2026 13:35:38
Agree with most of the above, lads, though DCL for me is far from useless, in fact vital. As Chris says, we badly need a top striker. DJ I dont think offers a lot, though to be fair he has had a very interrupted season, and the change in formation has not helped him.

Would prefer to keep Willy. Really need a clearout of dead wood, bring in some extra funds to add 3 or 4 quality signings plus some decent depth players.

12 May 2026 13:43:40
Tanaka was poor last night but did play well last 20 minutes.

12 May 2026 13:44:33
James before Byram? Switch Justin.

12 May 2026 01:10:41
Not a great game but fair result against a bogey team and nice without pressure, things we learnt or already knew
Baunotte not part of future, not on bench and 2 young ones in squad
Dan James not at this level and needs moving on and what does BA bring except effort, not good enough
Need to try sell a good few early, might be controversial but if want to go to next level I'd sell the following
Cairns, Perri, struijk, NMECHA, James, BA, gnoto, Bornauw, Piroe, geldhart, Harrison,
Looking at transfer value on line that could potentially bring in 90-110mil, but obviously have to sell, if we could recoup maybe 60 with sales and then spend another 100, could really improve squad
My choices for in coming, mainly in premier but sure a few bargains abroad
Arelo from west ham - 5mil or go large on trafford but be 20-25m
Axel Diasi from Chelsea 15-20m
Harry Wilson- free, might be tough, if can't then mane from wolves approx 15m
Cre Summerville 30 or james +20m
James macatee 25
Jonh duran 20-25

My starting line up be
Arelo
Roden BJ Diasi
Bogle Amps Stach GG
wilson Duran Summerville
Something like that, just my opinion, who would others like.

12 May 2026 13:51:06
I have a fuller post I'm submitting above, mate, but thought I'd add my thoughts specifically on your suggestions.

Areola. I honestly don't rate him, at least I don't think he's any better than what we have. I'd rather give a new contract to Darlow for another year, maybe with a performance triggered second yr. Areola would want 50K a week minimum, I'm pretty sure. I don't think Leeds would compete for Trafford. The best other option would be that he goes to Newcastle, like he nearly did last summer, and Pope moves to us (I still find that a bit underwhelming) . Keepers, I think we stick. Can't revamp every position every window, and whilst we could do better for sure, other areas are more glaring.

Disasi - 100% agree, mate. We want to be competitive in trying to get him if Chelsea are selling. I've mentioned him before too, and it's a nice shout.

Harry Wilson would be a nice signing. I think we're underdogs there unless the Welsh factor tips it in our favour. Mane also features as a backup option on my list if we fail to land my preferred target.

Mactee, it's very expensive, but he's talented, no doubt. I think £25m for a player who hasn't done well this year (that may not be his fault - four managers is a mess of a season) is too much, just me.



Cry is also one I think would be expensive if West Ham went down, but there is the advantage of him knowing Leeds, and he does look more confident in the last three months. I think your anticipated fee is accurate, though, so again, expensive (I get these are prem prices these days) .

Duran. What a signing that would be! He didn't come into my thinking at all; I assumed he would be out of reach, but given his season, I do think the mooted fee is fair and achievable after research. We should at least try to be competitive at that price in a bidding war. He might be a second choice for me behind Wind, purely because Wind is an upcoming free agent as things stand.

The only position I think your wishlist excludes, and that I think is a necessity, is a backup for Gabby. Justin has helped out there, and Struijk can play there in a desperate pinch. But we have three natural wingbacks of the correct quality in Bogle/Justin/Gabby, covering two spots, and we've done really well managing them this season. I think we need more depth there.

Nice shouts overall. It's always fun to gauge what people think we could do, or what they realistically want us to do.

12 May 2026 22:33:00
Cheers, Ealing. Interesting summer ahead.

11 May 2026 23:31:18
Kinsky, what a save. Cost me a couple of bags on a bet! How the eff did he save that? And then Longstaff misses a sitter! Not my night 😞.

12 May 2026 00:14:06
Two great saves by Kinsky. Decent game, fairish result.

Even with what seemed like 20 minutes of injury time (which normally would have greatly annoyed moi) .

With nothing at risk for LUFC, this was easily the most relaxed I have been watching a Leeds United match for 5 long years/seasons.



Since the latter part of the 20/21 season when we were thrashing Spuds at home, finishing 9th in the EPL.

Very pleasant, relaxing viewing.

12 May 2026 00:56:34
The only thing that puzzled/annoyed me was how Tel didn't get a card of any colour for the bicycle kick to Amps' head. The ref seemingly decided that a pen was punishment enough, but to me, dangerous play should be punished appropriately, whether or not a pen is awarded as well.

12 May 2026 06:17:39
JR, Yes, how the hell did he not get one.

12 May 2026 09:28:24
I was more surprised that Richarlison wasn't carded; he knew exactly what he was doing. You always know it when the offending player fakes their own head injury to detract attention from what he did.

He's a snide, nasty piece of work, who, fortunately, is a rather crap footballer.

Baz, strange watching a game with no jeopardy; probably even harder to play in one!

12 May 2026 09:58:24
100% Ani, he saw Jaka coming, and gave him an intentional clat!

11 May 2026 19:46:20
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Chelsea - A Not So Quick Liverpool Perspective