Good Morning. It's Friday 29th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Buonanotte set for Thorp Arch medical
Leeds United are on the cusp of securing the signature of highly rated playmaker Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. His transfer was briefly delayed by a flight mishap, but is expected to fly into Leeds today to finalise his move. Daniel Farke's side have been monitoring the talented 20-year-old throughout the summer, with negotiations intensifying in the last 48 hours.
Buonanotte impressed during his loan spell at Leicester City last season, contributing five goals and two assists in 31 Premier League appearances. His strengths lie in his intelligence as a playmaker, his adeptness at dribbling with quick feet and agility, and his tenacious, relentless pressing style to win back possession. He is also highly accomplished on the wing, but given Leeds already have Daniel James, Noah Okafor, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison, the Argentine international is likely to operate at No 10, sparking much needed creativity in the final third.
Emotional farewell from Bamford
Leeds United has officially confirmed the departure of striker Patrick Bamford, whose contract has been cancelled by mutual consent. The move signals the end of a seven-year tenure at Elland Road for one time England striker who turns 32 next week.
The decision follows recent comments from Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who indicated that Bamford was not part of his plans for the upcoming Premier League campaign. Consequently, Bamford had been training away from the first team. Despite this, Daily Mail Sport understands he was permitted to continue using club facilities at Thorp Arch.
A financial agreement has been reached between Bamford and the club to facilitate his exit, allowing him to move on after his remaining year on contract was mutually terminated. In a personal video message, Bamford acknowledged the emotional nature of his departure, stating the situation was "too raw" for immediate reflection. His seven years at Leeds saw him contribute significantly, with his departure marking the end of an era for the popular forward.
Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently, it's all a little bit too raw to reflect on immediately, but I think in the years to come and further down the line, I'll look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy, pride and be super happy with what I've achieved and the fact that I was able to wear this number nine shirt in front of you guys for this many years.
The club became a massive part of my world, and I tried to make you proud by doing the most I could on the pitch and also in the community. As in any walk of life, there have been challenges, and we've had our ups and downs as the song goes, but I've always felt strongly connected with both fans and the community. But as I leave here, I'm a married man to my beautiful wife, Michaela, and we have two beautiful girls who were born here in Yorkshire.
I want to take this moment to thank everyone who was involved in bringing me to Leeds United, and also all the staff at the training ground and Elland Road who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their work is not often seen by the fans, but it really does lay the foundations for all of us to achieve what we do on the pitch, they really are the heartbeat of the club. Over the years here at Leeds, I've shared the dressing room with some amazing guys. Some I can now call friends for life - to name a few Klichy, Pablo, Bill, Coops, Stuey, Kalv and the guys I’ve shared the dressing room with more recently who achieved an amazing feat last year.
I’d also like to thank the managers I’ve had the chance to work with whilst here, especially Marcelo. I don’t know where the club would be without the foundations he laid. Under his guidance, I was able to achieve my dream I've had since a young boy, playing for England. And of course, finally, I'd like to thank you fans. I know at times it's been frustrating, and you've probably pulled your hair out at points as well, but together, in these seven years, we've celebrated some of the best moments in the club's recent history. I know I've still got a lot more to give and a lot more football to play, but for now, I'll see you around. Your number nine, Patrick.
Groin injury rules Okafor out of Newcastle game
Leeds fans have expressed their considerable frustration online following Daniel Farke's revelation that new £18m signing Noah Okafor is set to miss the upcoming fixture against Newcastle due to a groin injury. The news has amplified existing anxieties among the fanbase, particularly given Okafor's documented history of fitness concerns.
Farke confirmed the setback in his pre-match press conference, stating, "Noah spoke about groin problems after the last game. Everyone else had no problems. Noah is the only major doubt at the weekend." This latest injury adds to a pattern that has understandably concerned Leeds faithful. Transfermarkt data indicates that Okafor has struggled with availability in recent seasons.
Across his time at Milan and Napoli, the striker reportedly missed 13 games due to six separate issues. Furthermore, his 2023/24 campaign was blighted by four injuries, resulting in 14 missed matches, and the prior season saw him sidelined for another 13 games. Similarly to Tanaka and Ampadu, the Swiss ace is expected back after the international break.