Good Morning. It's Tuesday 25th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Confusion mounts over Michael Zetterer’s Medical
Speculation is swirling around Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer and his switch to Leeds United, with reports claiming he has already completed the first part of his medical at Thorp Arch before flying back to Germany. The claims have left fans on both sides scratching their heads amid a wave of conflicting information from ITK journalists. Multiple sources close to the clubs have offered differing versions of events in recent hours.
Some suggest Zetterer underwent initial medical checks at Leeds’ training base, only to return to Germany shortly afterwards. Others insist no such steps have been taken and that any deal remains some distance away. The lack of a clear, unified line has fuelled uncertainty rather than clarity.The most widely shared theory among those following the story is that Eintracht Frankfurt are prioritising the signing of SC Freiburg’s wantaway goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Only once that arrival is secured, the thinking goes, would Frankfurt be prepared to sanction Zetterer’s departure.
That move would then free up the path for Leeds to bring in the German stopper. Further down the chain, the potential arrival of Zetterer at Elland Road is being linked to the exit of Lucas Perri. The Brazilian has been connected with moves to Torino, Juventus or Marseille, with those clubs reportedly monitoring the situation closely. A successful resolution of the Zetterer deal could, in theory, accelerate discussions around Perri’s future. Adding another layer of complexity is the question of whether Freiburg themselves need to recruit a replacement before allowing Atubolu to leave.
Chelsea close door on Leeds loan for Mudryk
Chelsea have ruled out Leeds United as a possible loan destination for Mykhailo Mudryk after rejecting what they considered an insufficient offer. Talks between the two clubs continued over the weekend but concluded without agreement, ending Leeds’ hopes of securing the Ukrainian winger. From Leeds’ perspective, the collapse of negotiations has left a clear sense of frustration. Officials at Elland Road believe Chelsea are only interested in sending Mudryk out on loan to their sister club Strasbourg, despite Athletic journalist Beren Cross confirming that the player himself remains keen on a temporary switch to West Yorkshire.
The Whites had viewed the deal as realistic and felt Mudryk’s preference for a Premier League move aligned with their own ambitions. Mudryk had made clear that a move to Elland Road was his preferred option among Premier League suitors. The 25-year-old remains available only on loan following his return to Chelsea’s first-team fold after a lengthy doping ban, with a permanent transfer off the table. Despite the end of the Leeds discussions, interest in the player remains strong ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
Several Premier League clubs are still monitoring the situation, while Strasbourg continues to be viewed by Chelsea as a natural landing spot. Newly promoted Coventry City, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, are another side linked with a temporary deal. There is additional interest from clubs in Italy and elsewhere on the continent. Chelsea are actively looking to reduce the size of their first-team squad before the window closes and are working to facilitate several exits. Crystal Palace are closing in on a season-long loan for centre-back Axel Disasi, who underwent a medical with the Eagles on Friday.
Among those available for permanent sale are striker Liam Delap, valued by Chelsea at £40m, and central defender Tosin Adarabioyo. Both players have attracted market interest as the Blues seek to streamline their roster. No further official comments have been issued by Chelsea, Leeds or the other clubs involved. With the deadline now less than a week away, the race to find Mudryk a temporary home continues, though from Leeds’ viewpoint, the door appears firmly shut for reasons that go beyond the financial offer alone.
Ramazani set for Leeds exit
Largie Ramazani will head for the exit door at Elland Road, with the Belgian winger confirmed as surplus to requirements for the 2026-27 campaign. The 25-year-old was left out of the club’s pre-season squad list and has yet to report to Thorp Arch. In Monday’s press conference, Daniel Farke made the situation clear, stating that Ramazani will not play for Leeds this season. Ramazani was never part of Farke’s plans last term and spent the year on loan in Spain with Valencia.
After a difficult start to life at the Mestalla, the winger improved significantly in the second half of the season, producing a strong run of form, catching the eye of their CEO, who flew to West Yorkshire this summer to hold transfer talks, yet Carlos Corberan is set to be convinced. Ramazani’s departure before the transfer deadline is regarded as a certainty. Leeds are expected to finalise his exit in the coming days as they continue to shape the squad for the new season.
Sam Byram joins Middlesbrough after Leeds departure
Versatile defender Sam Byram has joined Middlesbrough following his departure from Leeds United. The 32-year-old full-back brings a wealth of experience to the Riverside, having made more than 300 appearances across the Sky Bet Championship and Premier League. Byram won promotion with Leeds in the 2024/25 season, featuring 36 times as the Yorkshire club claimed the Championship title.
He now strengthens Kim Hellberg’s options for 2026/27, adding valuable competition for places in both full-back positions. The former West Ham United and Norwich City man said:
“I’m buzzing to be here.“It’s a club I know well from playing against them over many seasons, so I’m very familiar with the place and delighted to be here. “It’s a great club and a big club, and one that I’m really happy to be part of.”
Byram began his career at Elland Road, making almost 150 appearances before moving to the Premier League with West Ham after falling out with then owner . He also played in the top flight for Norwich and later returned to Leeds, and now brings his quality and knowhow to the group at Rockliffe.He added:
“I’ve been around this league for a number of years and had a couple of promotions in that time, so I know what it takes.“It’s an incredibly tough league and a long season, but it’s a great squad and great group.“If I can add a bit of experience and a bit of quality, that’s what I’m here to do.”