Leeds banter 5

09 May 2026 15:27:37
I've said it before but think it bears repeating. As soon as our premiership status is confirmed for next season we need to start getting our transfer business done early!

In each of the three seasons Farke has been in charge, he's been hamstrung in August whilst new players are bought in - it's then at least another month (or more) before we are able to establish some kind of pattern with a settled line up.



Please get rid of the old/drift wood and get all the new players we need well before the beginning of August!

09 May 2026 16:53:04
Agreed, mate. Shipping out players asap is very important, almost as getting quality in.
Perri
Longstaff
Geldhart
Piroe
Aaronson
Harrison
Struick (if he doesn't sign new contract)
Wober
Ramazani (as DF won't play him)
Schmidt
All above, I'd accept good offers for.
£90 million total.

09 May 2026 18:57:35
Perri and Longstaff keep, agree on Struijk if no new contract. Agree with rest.

Bournabow is as good as gone if a sensible offer comes in too. He is unhappy with game time.

Nmecha not overly happy on playing minutes either, so if a new strike comes in I expect him to be sold before Piroe, as Piroe is happy to fight for a place.

Even though Farke doesn't think he's premier quality.

09 May 2026 19:02:27
World Cup is likely to delay most transfer business this summer.

09 May 2026 19:34:49
What Alf said re World Cup likely, so.

And it seems a long time since a Leeds United recruitment team did most/all of its business early doors in the summer window for players?

I do recall in our League Champions winning season 1991/92 we signed all our new recruits

Tony Dorigo,
Rod Wallace,
Steve Hodge,
Ray Wallace,
David Wetherall
and Jon Newsome

early doors in June and early July 1991.



.and that indeed worked out remarkably well!

#LeagueChampionstrophy.

09 May 2026 19:39:14
Citeh 3 Brentford 0.
Title chase is heating up again!

Gooners really need to beat West Ham tomorrow imo?

09 May 2026 20:48:32
If a newly promoted Championship team comes in for Longstaff, and considering he's 29 this year, it would be a good time to sell and get something back like we paid for him.
I'm not saying shop him around, but if the right offer comes in, then sell.

09 May 2026 23:11:15
I agree most of your list, Corkey, except:
Perri - I think his recent appearances have been improved, and as he's currently our only GK not out of contract this summer, now is not the right time to sell.
Longstaff - I think he's worth keeping unless we get an offer too good to turn down.


Struijk - I'd prefer to keep him if at all possible, and even if he doesn't sign a new contract I'd not let him go for peanuts.
Plus add Bornauw to the list.

Since MC won today, Arse have to go out to win tomorrow, and finally eliminate the spectre of relegation from all our minds.

10 May 2026 00:25:09
Re Corkey's list, LAD's, and other responses.
I'd keep Perri, Longstaff, Pascal (if he signs a new contract) , and maybe Aaronson. I'd also like Ramz to be given a chance, as he didn't do much wrong, but maybe he doesn't fit in well with the current system with regard to defending duties, and DF doesn't trust him.


Piroe, Geldhart, Harrison, Wober, Bournauw, and Schmidt can go, and I'd add in Dan James. If we got anything over £30 million for the lot, I'd be surprised.

10 May 2026 10:37:22
If we keep Longstaff, tbh, the rest I agree.

10 May 2026 10:39:26
Perri is as good as gone.

09 May 2026 08:04:21
Think Arsenal will put us on the beach for last three games, so there is a good possibility we will lose all three.

09 May 2026 09:35:07
Is that looking on the bright side of our season ending, Aus?

09 May 2026 09:35:19
Agree with the first part, Aus, but not the second.

Wouldn't be surprised if we draw our three remaining games - although I'd really love to wallop Spurs and then gift the Hammers three points on the final day. Just love to see Tottenham in the Championship. : )

09 May 2026 10:11:04
I cannot see Spam getting anything from the game either, Aus, but as someone once said it's a funny old game.

09 May 2026 10:28:31
I think if Arsenal beat West Ham - we will play with more freedom v Spurs - and I don't think this bunch are the type to put their feet up. Being without Okafor is a problem - but I think a good result in the Wh game will spur us on (no pun intended) .

09 May 2026 13:46:16
Never said we would put our feet up. V teams battling relegation and Europe, and without key players. It's possible. That's all.

09 May 2026 14:15:36
Forget the beach, Aus!

.. Leeds United FC will be on (and over) the moon if Gooners win tomorrow vs West Ham!

10 May 2026 01:13:29
If (as we all expect) , the Arse win tomorrow, there are two ways our last 3 games could go.
1. Well, that's it, lads, we're safe now, no need to try too hard or bust a gut, play our time out and get ready to go on our hols. In this case, we could end up losing all 3.


Or
2. No need to worry about losing any longer, so let's show these last 3 teams what we're really capable of, and maybe make a statement of intent for next season. In this case, we could maybe even win all 3.
Which will it be, I wonder?

10 May 2026 18:09:39
Option 2. 100% certain of that, JR! All Leeds, aren't we?!

09 May 2026 07:01:22
Anyone think Wilson Isador worth a punt? Very unhappy at Sunderland and price would be within our budget?

09 May 2026 08:02:36
Class.. Just seen the BBC gossip column, apparently where favourite to sign Lois Opienda, Juventus striker!
1 goal, 2 assists in 24 matches!
Surely better out there!

09 May 2026 13:10:48
Openda's not a big centre forward, but a very quick, hard working striker who presses well and had a good record at Leipzig. Sometimes, you move to another club, and the system is completely different, and it doesn't work. He can play across the front, and might be more suited to Leeds than Juventus. Loan to buy?

09 May 2026 14:19:53
Good post, Dune.

Indeed, Openda's goalscoring stats at his three previous clubs, Leipzig, Lens, prior to this season's loan to Juventus, are impressive.


172 appearances.
82 goals.

09 May 2026 15:06:59
Isidor, I'm a fan of, yep.
Openda, we could try from a position of strength - ie a loan with an option NOT an obligation. We've been the victim of loans with obligations, or sending them out with options only, not obligations, for far too long. Just cos a player didn't make it in Italy (even Dennis Bergkamp, once upon a time, didn't have the best spell in Serie A) doesn't mean they're bad. He's a pacy centre forward who can operate wide. He profiles similarly to Okafor, though Okafor is more a natural wide man.

I think we could use two new forwards. This assumes we sell Piroe, so a net of one addition after we replace him. I like the idea of a pacey option like Openda. Piroe's the, in the Championship, Dimitar Berbatov is good down there, less effective in prem. I'd want one pacey finisher and one tall battering ram that leans into the long throw set piece tactic.

I've said before, but soon-to-be free agent Jonas Wind would be an awesome target.

Signing Wind (free) .
And Openda (loan with a £25m option or performance-triggered obligation - say 10 league goals and Leeds stay up) would be excellent business.
Sell Piroe for £10-15m to a champ leader (probably closer to 10m) , and it's a minimal outlay. But that would all be too logical.
If we don't go for Openda, a bid for Isidor is worthwhile, but he's not as good as Openda by a long way, and Sunderland will want £20m.

The bad news is that, to get the sort of deal for Openda that makes sense, normally means waiting through the window, as Juventus will want to try and do better. As the window closes, they'd accept that if they can't do better. But they're not going to take that off the bat, and Leeds shouldn't buy too quickly in this situation.

09 May 2026 16:45:05
Great post, Ekb.

09 May 2026 17:16:28
I think the window last year was generally successful. We made a couple of early signings, and the rest spread over the remaining window. However, we seemed to get bogged down at times with players we were probably after but didn't get, Paixo being the most obvious example.

This year there won't be the same number of acquisitions, just the odd like for like replacements, and two or three more expensive key improvements. Striker and AM, for instance. I think it's essential that we have options and get in early rather than leave it until late in the window.

10 May 2026 01:20:51
Sounds logical to me, Ekb, so we'll probably do nothing like that. 😒

09 May 2026 06:55:16
Little left field but asking Ed001s advice here, ejit who drinks in my local says he's a massive Liverpool fan but have my doubts, as he's bet on other teams, last night he's offering me 20/ 1 that Slot will be at Liverpool next season, only catch is, I have to nominate who I think will be his replacement for the odds, I'm saying Alonso Do I make the bet Ed001?

{Ed001's Note - that is a tough one. Hughes worked with Iraola at Bournemouth before joining Liverpool, so he might well look to him, especially as Iraola wouldn't interfere in recruitment. But Xabi Alonso was first choice before Slot, so he is the most likely, they have held talks during the season with him. Personally though, I would not make the bet as I don't gamble!}

09 May 2026 07:19:17
Thanks Ed001 I'm not a frequent gambler but 20/1 is too good to turn down, thrown me with the legacy Iraola connection as had assumed he would return to Spain, thanks for feedback.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate. It is nice odds.}

09 May 2026 17:34:06
Feeling more confident after today sorry Ed001

{Ed001's Note - no worries mate, we were awful again. It amazes me that he has a job still.}

09 May 2026 19:04:15
I read from a newspaper somewhere that Xabi had an agreement to join Liverpool but they chose slot, and it upset him, and he decided he wouldn't be going to Liverpool after slot.

Obviously, money talks, and I imagine Liverpool could be a good option for him, but if he fails in his next job, his success at Leverkusen would be watered down a little.

{Ed001's Note - that's not true, Xabi rejected Liverpool.}

10 May 2026 00:51:29
Only what I read, and I know newspapers are full of 💩, so do you know or have any idea why he rejected them?

{Ed001's Note - yes, it was at the end of the season after they had won the league and he wanted to take them into Europe.}

09 May 2026 06:23:20
Want it done. City to win and make Arsenal go all in and hope West Ham get beat, then it’s done and can finally relax and possibly experiment a bit?
Okafor out. I would really like to see Bauonaate start last 3 games and see if he is a talent or not, I feel we missing that CMF and why not see if he can link attacks.


I would still try buy Macatee from Forest, young and has talent.

09 May 2026 06:56:15
Buaonotte has as much chance starting those games as I do. These are possibly 3 very high stakes games, and you feel that a player who hasn't had a look in because Farke doesn't rate him, warrants a chance??

Maybe on the last day, if it was all done then, and only then, would Buaonotte get a game. Otherwise it's back to Seagulls; he's going.

09 May 2026 07:00:06
It's such a shame to lose Gaby and Okafor from the left side. I would have played Gaby forward, but in their absence I think Willy, with his low centre of gravity, is the way to go, with Namecheck first sub to knock them about.

I would also be interested to see if Bauonate has anything about him, but given he hasn't even secured subs minutes since January, I have major doubts.

09 May 2026 05:45:27
Three English teams in Euro finals. Let’s hope they all win although Gunners got a tough one.

09 May 2026 19:06:34
I agree, would be great for the coefficient ratings or whatever it's called, any additional places / can be kept is great for the EPL and possibly even Leeds in a few seasons. 🤞

08 May 2026 19:58:46
Okafor out for at least the next two games with a calf injury. Gudmondsson possibly back for the Brighton game.

09 May 2026 07:53:51
Just when we need them both out, it can only be Leeds FA Cup. 😡

08 May 2026 15:30:15
Well peeps, there are 20 clubs in this league, dunno about you, but for me it's all about 1. I don't give a monkey's uncle what other teams do because we are Leeds and we are back and proud. Only 6 teams gained more points than us since December. Only 4 defeats in that time. Taking the game to top sides et al with the exception of Arsenal lol.

Filling stadiums with White noise and pride. Reaching Wembley. More than holding our own as a promoted side. This is no mean feat and we should stand and applaud everyone involved in our wonderful club. But that's just me 😆.

08 May 2026 16:29:28
So you don't give a monkeys uncle if Arsenal beat West Ham, or vice versa? 🤔

Hmmmm.

It could confirm Leeds United are mathematically safe from R..

All good. 👍

08 May 2026 16:52:17
Baz, what will confirm our safety is us, no one else. All teams have their agenda, and they don't take into consideration others. It's like saying I have backed that horse, and all I need is the favorite to fall to win. Honestly, trust the boys.

08 May 2026 16:53:15
As an addendum, I hope Spam win to pile the pressure on Spuds!

08 May 2026 17:02:13
You say you hope West Ham win, Davey? What the heck.

I wouldn't rely on Leeds confirming their own safety.. at all.

Okafor is out for next 2 matches, possibly all 3.

08 May 2026 17:13:00
You don't rely on Leeds confirming their own safety, Baz? Do you support Leeds or revel in doubting them? After this season's performances? Wow, dude, get behind the boys and believe. 😁

08 May 2026 17:20:00
Extremely happy for Arsenal to beat West Ham and for it to be over. Finally!!

No West Ham win, thanks. 🙏

08 May 2026 19:37:28
Not even a draw, that would just drag it out even longer.

08 May 2026 19:48:30
Love the optimism vid, but the PTSD of being a Leeds fan means I also appreciate Baz's POV. Will be glad when safety is confirmed either way.

08 May 2026 19:56:57
I am going on Monday, and an Arsenal win will make the journey down and pub stop on the way very enjoyable!

08 May 2026 20:25:07
After 35 games so far this season, we have managed to keep ourselves out of the relegation 3 places. I see no reason why, in the remaining 3 fixtures, we need help now. Whether Arsenal does us a "favour" or not, we will stay up because of home we have done, not others.

08 May 2026 21:51:11
I'd take a draw even though we will smash Spurs!

08 May 2026 23:35:24
A little bit Steve Naive there, Vid.

08 May 2026 23:44:28
More than a little bit, Corky.

09 May 2026 01:00:52
I kinda hope MC beat Brentford tomorrow, so's to put a bit of extra pressure on Arse to beat Wet Sham on Sunday. Now, I'll go wash my mouth out with soap after saying that.

09 May 2026 05:42:43
The sooner the better. Who gives a flying turd if Arsenal assist us. Get it done.

09 May 2026 06:59:54
Think Vid was after a few Babycham's with that 1. 🤣 That warming glow, that everything is fab you get from said Babychams, definitely had a hand in writing it. 🤣

No offence intended, Vid.

09 May 2026 13:21:14
Same poster said Leeds would beat Chelsea. Look what happened. We need to turn up, play as we know we can, to win these games. Clubs are not just coming to play, they are going out to win, and we need to do the same.

Play like we did at Chelsea. Well, you know the answer. We all can be positive, but need to be realistic too.

09 May 2026 14:20:58
Indeed Whitey 100%

Realism needed

09 May 2026 17:35:34
Lol, no worries, Chris, probably close to the mark. 😆 No Tena required here, chaps, it's gonna be fine. The occasion done us v Chelsea, White, but we proved at OT what we are capable of.

08 May 2026 15:25:07
Really happy that pundits and bookies alike are making us odds on to lose against Spurs on Monday, I'm even hearing two or three nil.
That's music to my ears.

08 May 2026 16:02:20
Let's be honest, they had one good win against a B team, plus a lucky win against the worst team in the league.
Nothing to fear.

08 May 2026 16:30:55
I thought Spuds were as good as down, peeps.. Nothing to worry about.

08 May 2026 16:48:19
If that's true, op. I'll certainly have a couple of shillings on a Leeds win. I'm not reading too much into the Spuds' win against Villa reserves. Wolves outplayed them, and the pressure is all on them.
Since December, only Bournemouth, Manchester City, Devon and Arsenal have lost fewer matches than ourselves.


My Spuds-supporting brother says he is terrified of the game, and would much rather be facing many other sides than Leeds United.

08 May 2026 17:05:14
Spuds were very good vs Brighton and should have won.

08 May 2026 19:55:54
If the Arse win on Sunday, we're safe, but Spuds are not. They'll still want to win on Monday cos they won't want to go into their last 2 games with only a 1 point margin, so they have to come at us and try to score, and we play better against teams who do that than against those that play a low block and park the bus.

One thing is certain, and that is, if Sham lose on Sunday, it will be certain that it will be a London team that's relegated.