Werder Bremen have a strong interest in Leeds United centre-back Max Wober, 27, with permanent and loan options under discussion for the Austria international. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Leeds' approach to this transfer window is "a gamble" after target Habib Diarra moved to Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Andrew: It is a gamble, which has failed before and is likely to fail again. Lessons haven't been learned. Premier League experience is what Leeds need to bring in.
John: We have to stick to our budget - even if that means we need to buy slightly less than top quality. It is certainly a gamble. My biggest concern is that we seem to be looking at players with poor injury records. If they have one injury and are fixed, all well and good, but we can't afford to be paying players to sit for long periods in the treatment room.
Ray: The question of whether shopping in the European market for players is a gamble should also be asked of whether shopping in the domestic market is also a gamble, because of inflated prices. Every new player is a gamble to the club, but if we can bring in five players from Europe at the same price as a single Premier player, then I say rock on. Out of the five, we may find two diamonds that raise the quality and keep us up for the next two seasons.
Mick: The point being made is that players with zero Premier League experience are much more of a gamble than finding some players with a proven Premier League track record.
Clan: Leeds have a history of overpaying for "under-performers", not just in the international market but also domestically. So I wouldn't worry too much about the source of players, but rather that they have the requisite talent and experience to make a positive impact for the team.
Chris: We should only pay what is affordable and not go into an auction and spend more than the player's worth. Overpaying is not good business.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United's transfer business this summer could be a "gamble", says Kaiser Chiefs' bassist and Whites supporter Simon Rix.
Speaking on the BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: "It's a little bit worrying they [the club] are fishing around in the European leagues, because we have done that before and it didn't really work.
"I think we are going to sign five or six people - and five of them need to work.
"If we're going to sign one left-back then we can't afford one left-back not to be good, unless we sign two left-backs. It is a gamble.
"Last summer, we talked about it feeling like we did good work and we were in good shape. We felt like January was a gamble and that paid off, but this transfer window is definitely going to be a lot of working out the amount of money that it would take – like with Habib Diarra [who moved to Sunderland instead] – where you go find someone else to gamble on."
BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan added: "You have to be strong with that, they have to know that is the amount that we are willing to pay for that player and if it goes above that, like with Diarra, then no.
"If that means he goes to one of our rivals, which Sunderland will be next season, and he goes there for 10 or 15m more than we wanted to pay, we just have to suck that one up because that is not what we [can afford].
"It is like when you go in for a house, you are only going to go in so much over the asking price. It might be that house ends up being worth loads more than that in years to come but you, at that time, could only go to what you think you needed to go to to get that player."
Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds
Tell us what you think.
Should Leeds pay whatever it takes to close deals or do they need to take a more prudent approach?
And do you agree that shopping in the European market is "a gamble"?
Image source, Getty ImagesSebastiaan Bornauw says he will bring an aggression to Leeds United after completing a move from Wolfsburg for a fee in the region of £5.1m.
The 26-year-old is the third signing made by Leeds since their return to the Premier League following the arrivals of Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol.
BBC Radio Leeds revealed in recent weeks that the club hope to sign players with physical presence in a bid to remain tight defensively in the Premier League.
"I'm quite an aggressive defender, I would say," Bornauw told the club's website.
"I'm strong. I like duels and I think that's pretty English. I think as a centre-back, I'm dangerous in front of the goal, I like set pieces, offensive set pieces. So that's what I think my game is, I would say.
"I'm really pleased to be here, it's an amazing club.
"The Premier League was always my dream, and then to play for such a big club in England and in Europe, it's a dream come true.
"I think the Premier League for me is the biggest league in the world. Obviously, Germany is a really strong league too, but I think as a football player, we aim for the highest and I think the Premier League is the highest for me."
Image source, Getty ImagesJunior Firpo has thanked fans and Leeds United for "four unforgettable years" as he leaves the club.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that the defender would be leaving as a free agent at the end of his contract and the 28-year-old posted a video message to fans on his social media, external.
"To my Leeds United family, today is one of those moments you know will come eventually but it doesn't make it any easier," he said.
"After four unforgettable years, it's time for me to say goodbye to a club, a city and a group of people that have come to mean so much to me and my family.
"When I first arrived in the summer of 2021, I was excited for the challenge ahead: a new league, a new country and a chance to grow. What I found here in Leeds went far beyond football.
"I found a house, I found team-mates who became family, staff who treated me with respect and care every single day, and fans who live and breathe for this club like nowhere else in the world.
"These four years have been filled with moments I'll never forget. The highs, the lows and the lessons, they've all shaped me into who I am today. From that first walk onto the pitch at Elland Road to the emotional rollercoaster of the Championship, and of course, to that incredible promotion back to the Premier League, every chapter has left its mark on me.
"This season's promotion was one of the proudest moments of my career. It wasn't just about football, it was about belief and fighting for these colours. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces, feeling the roar of Elland Road, and knowing we had achieved something special together, that's a feeling I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"I also want to thank those who believed in me and made it possible for me to wear this jersey in the first place. From day one, I've done everything I could to give back through hard work, effort and full commitment. This club has truly felt like home, and staying was something I was ready for, but that possibility was never on the table.
"To all the coaches and staff I've had the privilege to work with since my arrival, thank you. Every single person who contributes daily behind the scenes, your effort, care and commitment never goes unnoticed. You are the engine that keeps this club moving."
After four years and 119 appearances, it was confirmed on Tuesday that defender Junior Firpo will leave Leeds United following the expiration of his contract.
The 28-year-old, who joined from Barcelona for around £13m in 2021, had been offered a new deal but instead is expected to re-join Real Betis, where he previously played before moving to Barca.
Firpo spent his first two seasons with Leeds in the Premier League before the Whites were relegated in 2022-23.
The left-back was a regular starter in Daniel Farke's side last season, playing 35 times across all competitions, helping a defence that kept 25 clean sheets and contributing 14 goal contributions as Leeds topped the table to win promotion from the Championship.
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope feels Firpo's exit could be "the best outcome".
Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: "He was a little bit vilified in the Premier League.
"He said we never saw the best of him at that time and so he looked way out of his depth really in that league.
"I have got to be honest, I don't think he is Premier League material."
The latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is here and it is all about the latest comings and goings at Elland Road.
In this week's show, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope and, fresh from Glastonbury, Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss the exit of defender Junior Firpo, who left as a free agent on Tuesday.
They also chat about who could be potentially coming through the door next after some early summer signings.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesGerman authorities have explained why Leeds United fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.
The Whites are set for an eight-day camp in the country this summer - mirroring their pre-season in 2024 - and for the second year in a row, the club has been informed fans should not travel for the friendly fixtures.
The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" but German Police have now said "security aspects" prevent them from green-lighting fan attendance.
In a statement provided to BBC Radio Leeds, Pascal Pettinato of the German police said: "There is an agreement between the Central Information Office for Sports Operations (ZIS / also known as National Football Information Point) and the German Football Association (DFB) regarding international test matches. Every planned test match with international participation is checked for certain security aspects.
"These include, for example, that the venue must meet certain security-related requirements - such as the possibility of fan segregation - or that the local security authorities must not be required to request additional nationwide support forces.
"If even one of these security-relevant requirements is not met, such a test match can only be assessed negatively from a police perspective.
"To ensure that a match can still take place, the clubs have the option of excluding spectators from the event.
"At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed.
"At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed."
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United are close to signing Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw for around £5m.
The 6ft 3in Belgium international centre-back made 16 appearances for Wolfsburg last season scoring two goals in a campaign blighted by injury.
The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract at the Volkswagen Arena.
Tom Mallows
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds have apologised "unreservedly" after German authorities said their fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.
The Whites will travel to Germany for an eight-day training camp as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke's side made a similar trip last summer and were asked by police and local authorities not to bring supporters because of the resources needed to host Euro 2024.
Leeds say they had "written assurances" from the German Football Association and their tour operator that supporters could attend this year, but have now been told they cannot.
"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," Leeds said in a statement.
"This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, pursuing alternative scenarios that would allow for fan attendance, and even evaluating moving camp to a different location on short notice.
"Unfortunately, those efforts were fruitless due to the last-second nature of our change in circumstances.
"This result is deeply frustrating to all of us, just as it is sure to frustrate and anger you, our loyal supporters, to whom we apologise unreservedly for this outcome."
The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" for the decision and will be contacting the German authorities.
"We respect the club and Daniel Farke's desire to keep a successful training camp in Germany, but would expect a valid reason from the authorities as to why once again Leeds United fans are being unduly excluded," the group said.
Fulham have no interest in offloading 24-year-old Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz despite interest from Leeds. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty Images"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care. We will designate and assign resources appropriately."
With that, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe explained to the media corps at a Rangers press conference, where he is now vice chairman, that neither club is superior to the other.
Rangers are a Champions League club and Leeds are not. United have a trek ahead to enforce a situation similar to Crystal Palace owner and Lyon share holder John Textor who was sweating on a conflict of interest when it came to entering Uefa competitions with both clubs.
Nonetheless, supporters will wonder where the 49ers investment will be concentrated.
Marathe is clear on this subject: "If and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that."
The 49ers issue with Leeds is far more pressing than worrying about an ownership model, which may or may not have them compromised with Rangers in terms of European football. For now anyway. After all, survival in the top flight is the sole aim for United.
With approval given for £20m investment at Ibrox, Rangers new chairman Andrew Cavenagh is impatient to become the dominant force in Scottish football. The truth is the 49ers will be working on many multiples of that figure to preserve Leeds' Premier League status.
Spending £15m this week on new signing Jaka Bijol is an initial indication of the size of the commitment by the owners to keeping United in the Premier League.
Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast have been discussing possible profit and sustainability rules issues Leeds United could face.
Under the Premier League's PSR rules, clubs are allowed to lose £105m over a rolling three-year period.
"There's a lot of mistakes in the past that I think is part of it [PSR issues], the TV money being down too, but it is a temporary problem I think," Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix said.
"I don't think it is a permanent problem. The year we get rid of that first year in the Championship, which is next year, it is one of the reasons it is OK.
"If we do some of this stuff where we do backload it this year, it is OK because next year our PSR position will be loads better because we will have a year in the Championship where we did well, sold a load of players and the PSR was good, and two years in the Premier League.
"So, suddenly, in a year's time if we are having this conversation, we will actually be quite safe it seems and have lots of money to spend if we want to. It is just getting through this year where it is sticky."
BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Johnny Buchan added: "There has also got to be a churn in the squad this year, because we have got to increase the standard of the squad, so it is really difficult timing-wise.
"The messaging from the club has all been them saying that it is workable, it is manageable. Yes, it is difficult, it is tight, but it is workable and manageable this year.
"They have got lots of experience in the building dealing with this from dealing with it in the NFL and salary caps that are in place over there, so lots of experience. Yes, it is a different sport, but money is money, spreadsheets are spreadsheets."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Leeds should sell the likes of Mateo Joseph and Illan Meslier or keep them at the club
Here are some of your comments:
Mark: Meslier endured a difficult end to the season. Clearly a talent but his unforced errors were costly. Maybe time to cash in? Joseph is clearly a talent but needs more experience and more regular game time. Can we afford that in the Premier League?
Glynn: Send Joseph out on loan to get more experience. He has talent but lacks experience. Sell Meslier for his own good and for the good of the club.
Martin: Keep Joseph and send him out on loan. He showed his talent early last year but faded as pressure mounted. However, Meslier cannot recover at Leeds. A good goalie but too much baggage now to stay. Sell him and get Pope or another top confident goal stopper.
Graham: In a word, sell. Both of them. Neither have a future at Leeds.
Dan: It's a tricky one with Joseph as he's still young and has potential but at the start of last season he was positioned as our main striker and given that opportunity, only to come up short with Joel Piroe being the main man. At the same time though Joseph shone for Spain's Under 21s but international Under 21s and Premier League football are very different. If we could get £10-15m for him I'd take it!
Lee: Joseph and Meslier are both going to be stars of the future. I would sign them both to six-year contracts, then send them out on loan for a year. They both just need some confidence and some consistent playing time.
Stephen: Keep Joseph but make sure he gets minutes out on loan, I think there's a player there but he's not ready for the top flight. Meslier probably needs a move away to restart his career, he's only gone backwards at Leeds and a fresh start might give him the chance to reach his potential. I don't think the fans or the defenders in front of him would like to see him on the pitch again. Not after the points he dropped single-handedly last season.
Leeds are yet to receive an offer for goalkeeper Illan Meslier, despite reports he is due to have a medical with Fenerbahce. (Sky Sports), external
Doncaster are keen on bringing Whites midfielder Charlie Crew back to the club on loan for a second time. (Yorkshire Post), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
On the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope speak with Simon Rix of the Kaiser Chiefs about the future of Mateo Joseph.
As the Whites plot their way through the summer transfer window and prepare for their Premier League return, can they risk letting Joseph (and others) be sold, only for them to have a great seasons elsewhere and potentially end up at a rival club?
Would they be better keeping him on their books and in the squad for the campaign or sending someone like Joseph out on loan instead?
What do you think Leeds should do? Should they sell the likes of Joseph and Meslier? Or keep them on the books?
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope says summer signing Jaka Bijol, who joined from Serie A side Udinese for an undisclosed fee, will be an "experienced addition" to Daniel Farke's squad for the club's return to the top-flight.
Speaking about Leeds United's second summer acquisition, Pope said: "From what I understand about the way the club are going about survival in the Premier League, they want to be strong in both boxes.
"Jaka Bijol is a centre-back that can also play in midfield. He can score goals and he will be a presence defensively because of his size.
"I think he fits right into the physicality that the club believe they need to stay up in the Premier League.
"I would like to think he will be an addition to what's already a big enough backline. However, [Pascal] Struijk has been injured for two seasons in a row now.
"It might be that the club has to let a player go to help with the financial parameters that are around but, right now, he is definitely an addition. He is an experienced one as well.
"He is 26 years old so they have signed him in his prime. He has made more than 50 appearances for Slovenia, having made his debut as a teenager. He has played in Germany and Russia and Italy, so that's pretty good pedigree.
"He seems to be a well-rounded guy. I think it sounds like - character-wise, experience-wise and position-wise - the club might have found a really good fit for what they require."
Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds
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Image source, SNSNew Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe - who is also Leeds United chairman - shut down any talk of either being each other's feeder club.
Marathe, who is also a senior executive with the San Francisco 49ers, quelled any such concerns as well as worries that Rangers' European involvement could be threatened by their ties to Premier League side, Leeds.
"It would be a disservice to Leeds and Rangers to consider one a feeder club to the other," he said after Monday's extraordinary general meeting where the new owners' £20 million investment was approved.
"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care – we will designate and assign resources appropriately.
"But it's obvious that there are opportunities to learn from each other, whether it's commercially or competitively on the pitch.
"In my mind it's a real positive to have two clubs like that, but there's not one that is subordinate to the other. That would be a disservice."
Marathe also assured there would be no similar problems to those encountered by Crystal Palace, whose Europa League spot was in doubt before American owner John Textor – also a shareholder in French side Lyon – sold his stake in the London club.
"We have checked the box with those that we need to to make sure that if and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that," Marathe added.
"That has already been solved, so we are good there."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Jaka Bijol, who became Leeds' second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
David: This looks like a very good signing, he is very difficult to get past. He times the tackles well when going to ground. Not surprisingly he is also strong in the air and can score goals.
Jamie: When I heard rumours he was coming to Elland Road I watched a few videos. Big, powerful, looks like another great type of defender we love, will put himself in the way of absolutely anything! Might pick up a card or two, but we can't complain if he's doing the job he's asked to do.
Chris: Remember seeing him play against England at the Euros last year, had Harry Kane in his back pocket.
We also asked what positions Leeds should be looking at for their next signing...
Mike: We desperately need a top class goalkeeper and centre forward.
Dave: Leeds need a pair of strikers and a good no.10. Anything else will make the season very hard. Goals make points and 40 is our target!
Mark: Now that Bijol is done, we need a goalkeeper, left back, number 10 and a centre forward. Not too much to ask for!
Image source, Leeds UnitedNew Leeds United signing Jaka Bijol has promised to "give everything" for the club after joining from Udinese.
The central defender completed a move from the Serie A side on Monday, signing a five-year deal to keep him at Elland Road until 2030.
"This is a big day for me, for my family and I'm happy to be here," Bijol told club media.
"Maybe the biggest one [challenge] of my career so far, but I'm ready for it.
"I work for it and that's why I'm here, because it's a big challenge for everyone. It's a big challenge for me, for the club, and we're getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.
"I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there."
Despite only being 26, Bijol has already gained a wealth of experience having played over 250 games at senior level across Slovenia, Russia, Germany and Italy, and has featured in Champions League and Europa League matches.
Supporters will be hoping he can use this to help them on their return to the Premier League this upcoming campaign.
"I saw some bits of the [trophy] parade - really nice images and you enjoyed it a lot last season. I hope we enjoy it together next year as well," Bijol added.
"It gives you goosebumps, you see all the people who are really passionate about the club and everything.
"I knew it is a big club already and it just confirms it, you really see a lot of people are really involved in the club - passionately, emotionally and I'm really excited to see that next season in Elland Road."
