The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 18th July) Let's get this party started
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 18th Jul, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Let's get this party started
Finally, the wait is over, and at 22:00hrs last night, the EFL rubber stamped the takeover of Leeds Utd. It's been a long and arduous wait; we've suspected for months that 49ers Enterprises would take the corporate reigns from Radrizzani, but in reality, the deal was not actually agreed until June 9th.
With players evacuating Elland Road en masse, the wait felt like an eternity. Those who have reported on the transaction over the past six weeks, have given a completely new interpretation of the word 'imminent'; I wonder whether it will catch on! Paraag Marathe will take over as club chairman. Rudy Cline-Thomas will join the board as co-owner and Vice Chairman and Angus Kinnear will continue in his role as Managing Director.
This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work. This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club. “We have already appointed a highly-respected first team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season. It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.
Ampadu set for medical
Leeds United are set to open their Summer transfer account, by signing Chelsea’s highly rated youngster Ethan Ampadu. The versatile defender, 22, was due to travel with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for their pre-season tour of the USA, but will instead, make the shorter journey to Thorp Arch where he'll undergo a medical before being unveiled later this week.
The Welsh International had interest from a host of clubs in the Premier League, Italy and Spain, but it was Leeds who put their money where their mouths are, and secured his £7m transfer (rising to £10m due to add ons, as well as a sell-on clause).
Ampadu has a wealth of top flight loan experience, having spent season long loans at Sheffield Utd, Venezia and more recently Spezia. Even though all three stints ended in relegation, it is hoped he'll have the opposite effect at Elland Road. He can operate in a variety of roles, but is most comfortable at centre-back or defensive midfield.
Leeds face stiff competition for Diallo
Leeds face stiff competition from Leicester City for the services of Amad Diallo. The in-demand Manchester Utd youngster was instrumental in helping Sunderland reach the Championship play offs last season, and with Harvey Barnes expecting to depart for Newcastle, the Foxes see the 21yo as the perfect replacement.
He can play as either a winger or midfielder, and has an eye for goals. Last term he netted 14 times, and created 3 assists. Sunderland and Southampton are also keen on the Ivory Cost International.
Swimming legend joins the party
Swimming legend Michael Phelps is part of the 49ers conglomerate that have bought Leeds. The 23 time Olympic Gold medalist is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 podiums.
He joins golf superstars Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas, NBA basketballer Larry Nance, free agent and former Jacksonville Jaguars NFL linebacker Myles Jack, former University of Arizona basketball player TJ McConnell and hockey stars Erik Johnson and Gabriel Landeskog.
Are the floodgates about to open
As news of Ampadu's impending arrival was still filtering through, social media became abuzz with rumours, linking with Whites with a host of other names. Before long, it was rumoured that Glen Kamara, Nat Phillips and Emmanuel Dennis had all agreed terms, and booked their medicals. Time will tell whether they are jumping the gun!