Good Morning. It's Thursday 28th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Leeds lead race for Brighton playmaker
As the transfer deadline looms ominously, Leeds Utd remain patient on bolstering their creative ranks at Elland Road. Reports suggest the Whites are now pushing hard to secure a crucial acquisition, with Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte emerging as a prime target. According to Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Leeds are currently "leading the race" to sign the promising midfielder on a loan deal, despite intense competition from other clubs.
The need for an injection of offensive flair is evident, and Farke clearly sees 20yo Buonanotte as a player who can provide that missing link. While other Premier League outfits, most notably West Ham, are also vying for his signature, Leeds seem determined to land the Argentine International. With the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday evening, securing his signature will offer the Whites much-needed creativity and youthful dynamism.
Christantus Uche back on Leeds radar
Leeds appear to be making a late push for Getafe’s attacking midfielder Christantus Uche, resurrecting their interest after the Nigerian international's proposed £20 million move to Wolves dramatically fell through. The 22-year-old had been a sporadic target for the Whites throughout the summer window, but it seemed his destination was set for Molineux, with Wolves having reportedly reached a £20 million agreement with the Spanish club.
However, the deal collapsed when Uche, through his agents, vetoed the transfer, citing dissatisfaction with how negotiations were conducted without his consent. This sudden availability has opened the door for Leeds to re-enter the fray for the versatile player, who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is equally comfortable leading the line or playing on the left flank.
The timing of Leeds' renewed pursuit inevitably raises a critical question: does their sudden interest in the Nigerian International suggest the Whites have run out of viable options of their own to bolster their attack? Having been linked to a host of top names throughout the transfer window, Leeds have conspicuously struggled to convince their primary targets to commit, leaving a glaring void upfront.
Uche's capabilities to play in multiple attacking roles could be a significant asset, offering much-needed creativity and goal-scoring threat. However, this late-stage play for a player whose initial move failed due to personal terms issues could be seen as reactive rather than proactive!
Leeds reportedly bank €4m for Greenwood
Leeds United are poised to secure a surprising seven-figure sum from the sale of forward Sam Greenwood to Polish Ekstraklasa side Pogon Szczecin, a deal that is set to stun supporters of both Middlesbrough and Preston North End. Since arriving at Elland Road from Arsenal in the wake of United’s 2019/20 Championship triumph, Greenwood has consistently struggled to assert himself as a first-team regular. This lack of impact led to two consecutive loan spells at the Riverside Stadium and Deepdale during Leeds’ recent two-season stint in the EFL, where he similarly failed to ignite.
The Sunderland-born attacker rarely showcased the form expected of him on the pitch. His inability to make a mark in the Championship under Messrs Carrick and Heckingbottom has ultimately sealed his Elland Road fate. Leeds have spent £100m this summer on strengthening their squad; pushing Greenwood further out in the cold!
Leeds will reportedly bank €4m (£3.45m) marking a shrewd piece of transfer business. Together with the transfer monies for Rasmus Kristensen (€6m), they are starting to recoup much needed funds.