Mighty Leeds Weblog

Latest Leeds United transfer news as Illan Meslier puts the work in during the summer as talk swirls around his future with the goalkeeper heavily linked with an Elland Road exit Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is putting the work in ahead of the new season as transfer talk swirls around the Frenchman. It was reported in the Turkish press earlier this week that Fenerbahce had reached an agreement with the Whites stopper, with Jose Mourinho keen to secure the services of the 25 year-old. LeedsLive understands that the Whites are yet to receive any bids for Meslier, though that doesn't mean he won't depart Elland Road this summer. Meslier is not a player for sale but he could leave Leeds if game-time is not promised by head coach Daniel Farke. Farke dropped Meslier toward the end of Whites' Championship title-winning campaign and a new goalkeeper is high on the club's shopping list this summer. Karl Darlow replaced Meslier for the final seven games of the ...

Sunderland have agreed a club-record £30m deal to sign Habib Diarra from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg; Diarra's arrival will see him is a direct replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund for an initial £27.8m; Sunderland beat off competition from Leeds for Diarra The Black Cats will pay £27m up-front plus £3m in add-ons for the Senegal midfielder. The 21-year-old, who scored for Senegal against England in a friendly earlier this month, is now set for a medical before signing his contract. Diarra's arrival sees him is a direct replacement for Jobe Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund for an initial £27.8m fee, with all of that transfer fee committed to pay for the Senegal international. Sunderland beat off plenty of competition for Diarra's signature, including from fellow newly-promoted Premier League side Leeds. It is another club-record deal for Sunderland following their promotion to the top flight, with their previous record only standing fo...

By Naveen Ullal Junior Firpo’s contract at Elland Road expires on Monday and will leave Leeds United as a free agent. The left-back is set to join Real Betis, and this has been reported elsewhere. On June 12th, we covered claims from Spain that the 28-year-old is one step away from returning to Real Betis. He spent five years with the La Liga club before leaving them for Barcelona in 2019. Two years later, they sold him to Leeds. Last week, El Día stated the Leeds player has agreed a contract worth around €14m for three years. On Friday, the Spanish club presented their new signing, Álvaro Valles, to the local media and he was accompanied by their sporting director, Manu Fajardo. Reporters asked the Real Betis director about Junior Firpo and Mundo Deportivo have relayed his comments. The director said his side are in talks to sign the Dominican Republic international, who will leave the Whites as a free agent. He also indicated the move is advanced. “It’s true that there ar...

By Tom Coates Sunderland are reportedly making a move to beat Leeds United to the signature of Strasbourg playmaker Habib Diarra. The 21-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season, starring for Strasbourg as they surged into seventh place in Ligue 1. His exploits have fuelled talk of a summer switch and Leeds have been credited with interest in the attacking midfielder. Leeds reportedly submitted a £21.9m bid, although it has since been claimed the Whites may miss out on the Senegal international. Doubts regarding Leeds’ chances of landing Diarra have been intensified by reports of interest from rivals such as Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest. According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, newly-promoted Sunderland are now making a move to sign Diarra. The Black Cats are said to be putting together a bumper £35m package in an effort to pull off what would be a major transfer coup. Diarra is said to have been identified as a replacemen...

By Kyle Newbould The Middlesbrough-born manager was in charge for some of Leeds United's greatest ever years. Legendary former Leeds United manager Don Revie will finally be remembered in his home town of Middlesbrough 36 years after his death. Revie’s name has become synonymous with the glory days of Leeds, whom he managed to a pair of First Division titles and one FA Cup triumph, among other honours, between 1961 and 1974. During that 13-year stint in charge at Elland Road he coached some of the club’s most iconic players including Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Eddie Gray, to name a few. The former forward’s playing days started at Leicester City, with further stints at Hull City, Manchester City, Sunderland and Leeds. He eventually retired from playing in 1962, shortly after becoming player-manager for the Whites, and took on the manager’s role full time to great success. But he was actually born in Middlesbrough and grew up just two miles away from h...

Update for supporters. Leeds United will travel to Germany in pre-season as part of preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season, after the technical success of the camp last year helped us win the Sky Bet Championship title. Opponents and venues for fixtures were arranged earlier this year, and written assurances secured from both the German FA and our tour operator as well, given last summer we were asked at short notice by the police and local authorities not to bring supporters due to a resource strain following UEFA Euro 2024. Frustratingly, despite having matches agreed for a number of months, we have in the last week been informed that the police and local authorities will once again not grant a permit for us to play matches in front of spectators, will prohibit us from providing live updates and video streams, and have requested we discourage supporter travel. This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, p...

By Saikat Tottenham Hotspur are now closing in on the capture of the Leeds United youth striker Oliver Boast. According to journalist Beren Cross from The Athletic, the player has decided to leave Leeds United because he was behind Harry Gray in the pecking order. Cross has now revealed that a seven-figure ‘fee has been agreed’ with Tottenham Hotspur and the player is set to join the Europa League winners this summer. Huge opportunity for Oliver Boast Spurs move will be a massive opportunity for him, and he will look to prove himself at the Premier League club. He is unlikely to be a part of the first team set-up next season, and he is likely to work his way up through the ranks. He is highly rated at Leeds, and he has a bright future. Boast could develop into a quality player for Tottenham in the long term. The North London club have shown interest in signing talented young players in recent years, and they are set to add to the pool of young talent already at the club. ...

Will Butcher The Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline is fast approaching on June 30 and for clubs in danger of breaking rules, they will need to sell before the deadline strikes. Last season, it saw Leeds have to offload one key player before the deadline and it came in the form of Archie Gray. The Thorp Arch product completed a £40m move to Tottenham before the deadline struck. Now promoted, Leeds do not have to be concerned with breaking PSR guidelines though it is something they are remaining aware of. Leeds have identified Pascal Struijk and Willy Gnonto as profitable sales. However, Leeds can take advantage of other Premier League clubs needing to make a big sale for the deadline and one club in danger of failing to meet the guidelines are Aston Villa, under Unai Emery. Aston Villa need to sell and Leeds can take advantage A report from Give Me Sport says Aston Villa do have to sell players before the 30 June deadline in order to comply with PSR, and failure to ...

Keep fighting Words by: Chris McMenamy To quote one of the great philosophers of our time, Rocky Balboa: “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” It’s a philosophy that resonates with Leeds United in the Championship. From the days of Marcelo Bielsa’s altruistic approach to referees and opponents to Daniel Farke’s young lads being picked on by the other boys, physical force has often been the only real way to break Leeds down. Few teams knew that better than Preston and their manager, Paul Heckingbottom, put that to good use against his old club when they came to Deepdale last December. Leeds’ away form at that stage had been holding them back in their pursuit of promotion, having won only three of nine matches and losing to both Millwall and Blackburn in November. Leeds’ trip to Preston began with an early goal from the home side after some slop...

Adam Elliott Leeds United need a striker capable of scoring goals in the Premier League next season. The 49ers and Daniel Farke are gearing up for Leeds United’s return to the Premier League by securing key targets and bolstering the squad. The first arrival was Lukas Nmecha joining Leeds from Wolfsburg on a free transfer, and then Jaka Bijol was snapped up by Leeds for £15million from Italian side Udinese. Now, they are eyeing an oven-ready top flight striker to spearhead their attack ahead of Nmecha, Patrick Bamford, Joel Piroe, and Mateo Joseph. The Dominic Calvert-Lewin link to Leeds has major red flags In many ways, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s profile makes sense for Leeds. Which is why news that Leeds have made contact with Everton’s Calvert-Lewin will be received well by some. Physically impressive and a real focal point to the attack, Calvert-Lewin was once one of the most exciting strikers in English football back around 2020. That said, Leeds Live report that he i...

Kris Smith Leeds United are not the only club coming under the 49ers Enterprises’ stewardship this summer after a huge takeover of Rangers up in Scotland, and Paraag Marathe’s newest comments are good news for both. The 49ers’ ambition extends well beyond getting Leeds back into the Premier League as an established outfit, but is looking to see them competing with the big boys once more, as well as making Rangers regular challengers in the Scottish Premiership once more. They have a long way to go in catching up to their Glasgow rivals Celtic, but proof of their capacity for a rebuild is there in Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight, something Leeds fans hope is capitalised on with survival. Paraag Marathe makes 49ers, Rangers transfer admission that Leeds United will benefit from too It’s a huge summer for both clubs coming under the 49ers umbrella, and the pressure is on chairman Paraag Marathe to deliver the goods both at Leeds, as well as at Ibrox where he is vice-chai...

By Kyle Newbould The Leeds United striker’s 2024/25 season is finally over following Spain Under-21s European Championship defeat to England. Mateo Joseph has vowed to keep ‘working and growing’ ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League return following Spain Under-21s’ European Championship exit. Joseph was part of the Spain side who lost 3-1 to England Under-21s in Saturday’s quarter-final meeting, with goals from James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson sending Lee Carsley’s side through to the last four. A hard-fought clash boiled over after full-time with former Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell heavily involved, while Archie Gray was also spotted trying to calm things down. A number of Spain players appeared angry with Cresswell as former teammate Joseph also attempted to ease tensions, but the Leeds player was clearly devastated with his nation's early exit. The 21-year-old scored one goal in his three U21 European Championship appearances and also missed a penal...

Aheed Abrar Illan Meslier could soon be on his way out of Leeds United after a disastrous end to the season for the goalkeeper at Elland Road. Daniel Farke dropped the ex-Lorient ace from his starting lineup at the end of the previous campaign as he consistently made glaring errors. Karl Darlow was trusted at Elland Road, and it would be surprising to see the French shot-stopper retaining his place at the Whites after Premier League promotion. Galatasaray have wanted to sign Meslier [Omercan Ozmen], and he’s now set to jet away for good soon, with his future likely away from West Yorkshire. Fenerbahce have reached an agreement with Leeds goalkeeper Meslier over a transfer this summer, according to Ajansspor. The news outlet reported on X (23 June) that the Turkish outfit are set to sign the French shot-stopper to replace Dominik Livakovic. It’s been claimed that the 25-year-old is expected to travel to Istanbul this weekend, with his stint at Elland Road seemingly coming ...

Will Butcher Leeds United have finally announced a deal to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese, with the Slovenian star putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Elland Road. Leeds fans were made to wait after reports claimed last Wednesday that the 26-year-old defender had passed a medical at Elland Road. Yet, it has taken until Monday evening for Leeds to announce a move. The 63-time Slovenia international has penned a five-year contract at Leeds, which is expected to last until the summer of 2030. Bijol becomes Leeds’ second summer signing after bringing in Lukas Nmecha. Initial reports, however, suggested that Leeds had paid an £18.75m fee to sign Bijol from Udinese. A fee that would make Bijol Slovenia’s second-most-expensive transfer ever. But that is now not the case. Sky Sports share the true amount Leeds are paying for Jaka Bijol The 49ers have handed Leeds a whopping £150m transfer budget and making a few savings here and there will be key in helping Leeds bring in...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Slovenian international defender Jaka Bijol. The 26-year-old signs a long-term contract at Elland Road, joining from Udinese for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £15 million. Bijol emerged as a top defensive target earlier this summer and Leeds have moved swiftly to secure his signature despite late, reported interest from Premier League rivals. The 6ft 4in centre-back is renowned for his aerial prowess in both boxes and can play with the ball at his feet, too, occasionally switching play to wingers further upfield. Last week, he flew in for a medical after tying the knot with his partner, undergoing the customary pre-signing physical tests on Wednesday. Bijol is vastly experienced at international level having earned 63 caps for his country, the first of which whilst still a teenager. He also appeared at the most recent UEFA European Championships, featuring in Slovenia's 0-0 draw with England i...

Defender becomes our second arrival of the summer window. Leeds United are delighted to announce that Jaka Bijol has joined the club from Italian side Udinese for an undisclosed fee. The towering central defender has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, committing his future at Elland Road until 2030. The 26-year-old makes the move from the Serie A club after enjoying a stellar season in Italy, where he made 37 appearances across all competitions during the last campaign, scoring twice. Beginning his career with Rudar Velenje in his homeland, Bijol joins the Whites with a wealth of experience from stints in Russia and Germany, before then linking up with Udinese in 2022. Showing his versatility by originally plying his trade as a defensive midfielder, the Slovenian switched to what has become a familiar role in the heart of defence prior to joining Le Zebrette, with whom he made almost 100 appearances, taking his club total to over 250 matches. Included within those, our n...

Leeds Live spoke to Leeds United great Howard Wilkinson as the project celebrated its launch event “Honoured. Embarrassed. Surprised.” Howard Wilkinson listed his emotions at the idea he could get a Leeds United statue. There is perhaps no better place to launch a campaign for the Whites legend to be immortalised in bronze than the Old Peacock Pub, a central hub of the fan community and just a goal-kick away from Elland Road. Around 40 Leeds United diehards attended the gathering in the side room on a warm Monday evening. The event was both passionate and modest, much like Wilkinson himself who sat over to the far side next to wife Sam. He hardly wanted to be the centre of attention. Those standing up at the front gave him no choice, though, as some of the 1992 title winners waxed lyrical about the great man, who celebrates his 82nd birthday this year. The likes of Gary McAllister and Tony Dorigo, battling a temperamental microphone, offered anecdotes of that season. “When I ...

Parking has also been another concern raised by Leeds United supporters and local residents Leeds United do not hold plans to rename Elland Road, Leeds Live understands, amid questions from some supporters about the funding of the planned stadium expansion work. Queries have been raised by a number of fans over how the stadium development will be funded, with some being fearful that the club could offer up the chance of buying naming rights in a bid to drum up cash for the project. However, club sources have made it clear that the 49ers do not hold any such plans and that they recognise the iconic name the stadium bears and the history attached to it. The idea is for the expansion to pay for itself, with the money gained from it going towards paying it off. Much like a house mortgage, money will be lent with this cash to be repaid. This could lead to a probable increase in ticket prices by completion but sources railed against the suggestion that there could be a rapid ‘hike’. ...

by Kwadwo Hemeng When the season ended, Leeds United fans were given some promises by the club’s ownership. The Elland Road faithful were eager to hear what the plan was after the club secured promotion and won the league title. Club chairman Paraag Marathe came out and vowed to the fans that the ownership will take next season seriously. And that Leeds will ‘spend every penny‘ to maintain their status as a Premier League club: Together we are going to build the best squad we can with every penny we are allowed to spend to compete in the Premier League. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy. I know all the stats, that last season’s three promoted clubs went right back down.” It has been just two weeks into the summer window, and it looks like the club is delivering on their promise. Lukas Nmecha has been confirmed, while a deal for Jaka Bijol is in the works. Fans will also be excited to hear that Leeds will be in the market for another striker this summer. This r...

Adam Elliott Jaka Bijol is set to sign for Leeds United in the coming days after the Whites agreed a fee with Udinese for the centre-back. Bijol is the perfect target for Leeds this summer for a relegation battle and then firm interest materialised between Leeds and the Slovenian Bijol. In recent days, it has been revealed Leeds’ first bid for Bijol was knocked back and there was said to be work to do in terms of agreeing a fee for the giant central defender. Bijol already agreed to move to England and all that was left was for Leeds to secure the deal ahead of reported interest from Newcastle in Bijol. It seems as though a breakthrough has now been found. Recently, it was reported that Bijol had given Leeds his word to join the club this summer but further developments have arisen since Bijol stated he wants a fresh start away from Udinese this summer. Now, Bijol’s agents are flying over following reports that the amount separating Leeds and Udinese in their valuation of B...

By Matilda Battersby The plans are intended to replace the 2007 proposals Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on its plans for the future regeneration of land surrounding the Elland Road football stadium, with up to 2,500 new homes proposed. If agreed, the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ will guide the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium which is principally owned by the council. The draft plans include between 1,500 and 2,500 new homes as well as commercial and leisure opportunities including a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, workspaces and educational facilities linked to sport, health and wellbeing. The proposals outline the relocation of the temporary park and ride currently at the site and how, subject to demand, one or more multi-storey car parks could be permitted. The land has been allocated for development for a number of years, however the previous guidance for the land was adopted ...

By Graham Smyth Legendary ex-Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson has one small request when it comes to marking his Elland Road legacy. There have long been calls for the club to pay a lasting tribute to Wilkinson for not only guiding Leeds back to the top flight in 1990 but leading them to a First Division title two years later and helping to establish a talent production line at Thorp Arch. The opening of Leeds' first modern academy and training facility led to the development of a high number of homegrown stars who either represented the club or brought in crucial transfer fees. Though former club owner Andrea Radrizzani once proposed renaming the training ground after Marcelo Bielsa, many Leeds fans have called for it to be renamed in Wilkinson's honour due to his input and legacy. There is also now a campaign to have Wilkinson's contribution to Leeds United officially recognised with a statue. WILKO92 - The Howard Wilkinson Legacy Project is a fan-driven camp...

Legendary ex-Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson has one small request when it comes to marking his Elland Road legacy. There have long been calls for the club to pay a lasting tribute to Wilkinson for not only guiding Leeds back to the top flight in 1990 but leading them to a First Division title two years later and helping to establish a talent production line at Thorp Arch. The opening of Leeds' first modern academy and training facility led to the development of a high number of homegrown stars who either represented the club or brought in crucial transfer fees. Though former club owner Andrea Radrizzani once proposed renaming the training ground after Marcelo Bielsa, many Leeds fans have called for it to be renamed in Wilkinson's honour due to his input and legacy. There is also now a campaign to have Wilkinson's contribution to Leeds United officially recognised with a statue. Howard Wilkinson Leeds legacy WILKO92 - The Howard Wilkinson Legacy Project is a f...

German international will join the Whites upon expiration of his current contract. Leeds United are delighted to announce Lukas Nmecha has agreed to join the club on an initial two-year contract when his current deal expires at VfL Wolfsburg. The 26-year-old forward will officially become a Leeds United player on July 1st and is the first confirmed arrival for Daniel Farke’s side of the summer transfer window, having spent the last four years playing in the Bundesliga. Born in Hamburg, the forward began his early playing career in Manchester City’s academy and made his Premier League debut in 2018, before then gaining further experience on loan at Preston North End, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht. Having also spent time on loan with Wolfsburg, he then made the move permanent and has since played 73 games, scoring 19 times in the league and cup. He has scored 43 goals in senior football matches in Germany, England, Belgium, in all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League....

 By Joe Donnohue YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth has revealed how Leeds United are scouting and signing players under the new, 49ers-led regime. This summer's transfer window could prove to be the most crucial in recent years for Leeds with Premier League survival paramount for the club to achieve their future goals on and off the pitch. United have a team of scouts, analysts and deal negotiators to identify and pursue players they feel can bolster and improve Daniel Farke's squad with a view to remaining in the top flight for the long haul. Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast this week, YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth provided an insight into how Leeds' transfer process works internally, from start to finish. "One of the big questions we could probably try and address that a lot of people are saying is: Who's making the calls? "How many people have said to us, 'Are there concerns about the lack of experience in the room wh...

By Kyle Newbould The latest news on Leeds United’s planned expansion and development of Elland Road. Elland Road could look very different in a few year’s time as Leeds United kick on with ambitions to expand their iconic stadium. Plans to increase the capacity from 37,645 to 53,000 were confirmed last season and since promotion was secured in April, those have begun to accelerate. As well as the significant increase in seats, Leeds hope to bring Elland Road in line with UEFA’s elite as a Category 4 stadium, improving the facilities and therefore the match-going fan experience. The club have already released detailed plans which include exciting images of how things could look, while Council approval has also moved the needle. Elland Road regeneration Fresh proposals surrounding the development of the area surrounding Elland Road have been labelled a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ by deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Co...

Harry Dimond Elland Road is set for an exciting future with the 49ers leading plans for an expansion. With their plans in place for Leeds United’s stadium, Elland Road, to be expanded, updates will follow continuously. The council gave agreement for the expansion, which means a 53,000-seat stadium is now being outlined, with the West Stand and North Stand getting major renovations. It’s reported that work on constructing the new-look stand is not expected to begin until May 2026 and won’t be completed until late 2028. As for the North, work isn’t expected to be done until 2030, but away from that, there is a new update surrounding the expansion, which Leeds fans will want to hear. With excitement building around the expansion, West Yorkshire will soon see a work of art, not that Fortress Elland isn’t already. There is a supposed naming rights deal in the works for Elland Road as the 49ers are pulling out all the stops to ensure the new expansion is of an elite level. Ti...

Journalist reveals that Leeds United will have ‘financial advantage’ over some Premier League clubs – Red Bull funding playing a big role Kwadwo Hemeng Leeds United fans are highly expectant of some serious transfer business this summer. This comes in anticipation of the club’s return to top flight football. Elland Road is set to host Premier League games again, and Leeds are keen on making that last. Club chairman Paraag Marathe promised that there will be some spending during this window as the club aims to maintain their top flight status. The Whites will benefit from a sizeable budget, with investments from Red Bull and the 49ers. So far, Leeds have been targeting players from the Premier League, and some big clubs in Europe. Some signings are in the pipeline. Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the Whites will be a ‘threat’ to some Premier League clubs when it comes to spending power this summer: “But Leeds are using the Red Bull resources, the 49ers. Leeds will be ...

 

By Charles Gray Further proposals for a “once-in-a-generation” rebuild of the area around Elland Road have been shared that include building up to 2,000 new homes and relocating the Park and Ride service. Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on refreshed planning guidance for the future regeneration of land surrounding the football stadium, stating that the work could deliver a multi-billion pound boost to the local economy and see new facilities established. The council is consulting on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’, which will inform the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium that is principally owned by the council. The football club itself is currently pushing ahead with plans to expand the stadium capacity from nearly 38,000 to as much as 56,000. If the refreshed guidance is agreed, the land around the stadium could be transformed with the potential for as many as 2,000 new homes alongside high quali...