The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 16th October) Leeds alerted to availability of former top target
Leeds alerted to availability of former top target
Leeds Utd have been alerted to the availability of one of their former top targets. MLS defender Kai Wagner is set to leave Philadelphia Union on a free transfer after refusing a new contract with the Pennsylvania based club. The 26yo is frustrated with his salary situation, even though he is one of the highest paid players in Major League Soccer. He is currently earning $630,000 pa (£518,000), which equates to just under £10,000 a week.
Leeds have been long term admirers of Wagner, and although Farke has managed to plug the gap at left-back, could do a lot worse than offer the young German terms. Greek outfit AEK Athens, who are managed by former Union head coach Matias Almeyda are also keen, though the lure of English football could be a contributing factor. According to Whoscored, Wagner topped their rankings by some distance, with an average rating of 7.34. His contract officially runs out on New Years Eve.
Stick or twist
No less than nine of Daniel Farke's first team squad have less than eight months left on their Leeds Utd contracts. Whilst the futures of Robin Koch and Cody Drameh's may already have been decided, the Whites must determine whether Stuart Dallas, Lewis Bate, Ian Poveda, Sam Byram, Luke Ayling, Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper deserve new terms; or whether the gaffer should be given a blank canvas allowing him to bring in the players of his choice.
Much will obviously depend on what league Leeds find themselves in next season. If Leeds bounce back up, which players would you like to see retained? Will it show a lack of ambition if the club keep the majority from the list or are they integral to the success of Leeds Utd.
Cooper turned down £4m Saudi offer
Elland Road journalist Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds skipper Liam Cooper turned down a lucrative two year deal with Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah worth £40,000 a week tax free, to stay and fight for his place at Leeds.
In August, he spurned Robbie Fowler's advances, when offered the chance to swap West Yorkshire for the Arabian Gulf two months ago. Cooper is in the final year of his contract at Elland Road, and having slipped down the pecking order since returning for injury last month, may now be regretting his choice.
With eight years loyal service, and 250 caps to his name, Cooper has long been a fans favourite at Elland Road, but age is now against him. At 32, this may be his last season at Leeds.