'The vibe was Struijk wanted a new challenge'published at 12:16 BST 30 June
12:16 BST 30 June
Media caption,
Don't Go To Bed Just Yet's Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix talk about Pascal Struijk as he looks set to make the move to Premier League rivals Brighton.
A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has just gone live.
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk looks to be leaving Elland Road and heading to the south coast to join Brighton, so what impact will that have on the summer recruitment?
Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix discuss that move and much more.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Brandt can be 'game-changer' for Leedspublished at 12:38 BST 29 June
12:38 BST 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
German football journalist and editor of Ruhr Nachrichten Jurgen Koers says Julian Brandt can be a "game-changer" for Leeds if he makes the move to the Premier League.
Brandt, 30, left Borussia Dortmund after seven years at the end of last season and has been linked with a move to the Whites.
"I have been following Julian Brandt and his time at Borussia Dortmund for a long time," Nachrichten told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.
"He's a special player because the skill set that he has - technical quality, ball control, passing range, and also scoring and assisting - is rare. He is the type of guy who likes to gamble a lot, he likes to take risks. He wants to create chances, create goals, he likes to play forward all the time.
"He's got everything he needs to be one of the top five offensive midfielders in Germany but despite all these gifts he never made a big, big breakthrough considering guys like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
"Brandt never really performed for the national team as well as he could do considering the abilities he has.
"He can be a game-changer. No way he is lazy and not taking part in the defensive part of the game. He covers a lot of metres in every game but his strength is to see gaps no-one else can see and find small spaces between the lines to move the ball with one touch and create chances."
Deal agreed for Struijk to move to Brightonpublished at 09:52 BST 28 June
09:52 BST 28 June
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk looks set to join Brighton after a deal in principle was agreed between the two Premier League clubs.
The fee for the 26-year-old centre-back, whose Elland Road contract was due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, is undisclosed but understood to be about £20m.
Leeds signed Dutchman Struijk for their under-23s from Ajax in January 2018 before he graduated to the first team.
He made 196 appearances for the Whites, including 34 in the Premier League last season.
Leeds to face Augsburg in final pre-season fixturepublished at 14:53 BST 26 June
14:53 BST 26 June
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Leeds United have released their full summer pre-season fixture list in preparation for the 2026-27 campaign.
Daniel Farke's side will take a tour of the US in July before returning home to see out August, where they will face two German teams the club have never met before in RB Leipzig and Augsburg, with a game against Manchester United in Dublin in between.
Here is the full list (all kick-off times BST):
26 July: v Wrexham at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa - 00:30 (25 July US time)
31 July: v Sunderland at Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey - 00:30 (25 July US time)
2 August: v Liverpool at Soldier Field, Chicago - 21:00
🎧 Brandt could be 'marquee signing'published at 15:39 BST 25 June
15:39 BST 25 June
Media caption,
EP 213: Cards on the table
Leeds United have been linked with a move for Julian Brandt, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer.
On the BBC Radio Leeds Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, host Jonny Buchan said: "That could be one of those signings that actually becomes a bit of a key marquee signing, couldn't it? You know with that experience, with that nous that he's got I mean I think that could be excellent."
Daniel Farke's side are also linked with a free transfer for Welsh international Harry Wilson following his departure from Fulham.
Buchan added: "I think Wilson will have suitors further up the chain whereas I think with someone like a Brandt... I get he's maybe a little bit older isn't he, 30, than what they've necessarily gone for last summer but are they just looking, as we've said, to add that sprinkling of quality and experience where the age isn't necessarily the key factor and it's more about getting in that nous?
"I'm not going to call him [Pablo] Hernandez-esque, but it's the same mentality, isn't it? It's the same mentality, if not the exact type of player. And it's not a fair comparison now that, you'd never do that but just in terms of what sort of a signing that could be."
Listen above or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
'Grab him with both hands' - fans on 'signing of the summer'published at 11:07 BST 25 June
11:07 BST 25 June
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We asked for your views on Leeds United agreeing terms to sign out-of-contract Harry Wilson on a long-term deal from fellow Premier League club Fulham.
The 29-year-old came close to a move to Elland Road last summer but the Cottagers backed out of the deal late on.
Here are some of your comments:
Omar: It is a fantastic signing. I genuinely can't see any downside other than having to move on one of Willy Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson or Dan James, all of whom I think have a lot to offer despite there being no room for them in the starting XI. He brings proven quality and experience as we look to move towards becoming a mid-table force over the coming two or three years.
Clive: Wilson has been a valuable asset to Fulham over the years, so to get a player of his calibre through the door on a free is a fantastic piece of business. We now have more creativity and a left-footed free kick taker as well as a right-footer in Anton Stach. A great start to the transfer window.
Matthew: Get it done, before we are gazumped! I've never seen such a Leeds-like player who isn't at the club.
Eric: Wilson coming up to 30 years old and scoring less goals in 38 appearances than Dominic Calvert-Lewin did is questionable to me. If he is out of contract with Fulham and he hasn't re-signed, there has to be a good reason. My question would be: are we just opting for him because he comes with no transfer fee rather than him being actually what we need?
Richard: I think this would be a fantastic move for us. I can't believe our luck to be honest. We need to grab him with both hands. Another addition to our Welsh contingent, that can't be bad!
Howard: An excellent signing and what amazing value. Another Welshman joining our ranks. Fulham have lost their most influential player, but their loss is our gain.
Colin: Wilson on a free is the signing of the summer.
Your World Cup scouting: Balogun and Brobbey at Leeds?published at 16:14 BST 24 June
16:14 BST 24 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Leeds United.
Here are some of your comments:
Callum: Brian Brobbey's got the grit and skill already expected from anybody on the pitch at Elland Road. Add previous Premier League experience from Sunderland, and I think he'd be a perfect replacement for the absent Joel Piroe.
Matt: Folarin Balogun - would add significant pace and firepower. We can't rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin having another injury-free season.
Noah: Balogun has been impressive so far and would be a brilliant signing for Leeds but probably not realistic unfortunately.
Eric: Johan Manzambi impressed when brought on as substitute against Bosnia, scoring two very impressive goals. Has pace, willing to take on players, great movement and link-up play and takes first touch strikes. Probably not within our budget though!
Ian: Motherwell and New Zealand forward Elijah Just - small, nippy forward would work well with our front line and wide players.
Would Wilson signing be a good move for Leeds?published at 13:21 BST 24 June
13:21 BST 24 June
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United have agreed terms to sign out-of-contract Harry Wilson on a long-term deal, pending a medical and formal signing contracts for the Wales international.
United had hoped to sign the 29-year-old at the end of the last summer transfer window but Fulham backed out of the deal at the 11th-hour.
Wilson registered 11 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances in all competitions last season - an average of one goal involvement every other game.
It is also understood that Leeds remain in pursuit of 30-year-old former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, who is also available on a free transfer but is attracting interest from Champions League clubs.
Southampton's Shea Charles, who reportedly turned down an initial approach of £20m from Elland Road, is also still on the club's radar.
What do you think about the deal? Is Wilson what Leeds need? Or do you want the club to keep looking elsewhere?
Should Leeds 'wait' on goalkeeper front or bring in 'the obvious choice'?published at 10:01 BST 24 June
10:01 BST 24 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Leeds United's goalkeeper conundrum, with Lucas Perri's previous transfer interest, Illan Meslier's departure and Karl Darlow's ability to step up all painting a confusing picture.
Here are some of your thoughts:
David: It should be Darlow all day long. He has been fantastic for us, and consistent, so anything else would be a snub to him and we would regret it.
Will: Darlow was so reliable last season, and he showed great distribution, so why change?
Darren: The obvious choice is James Trafford. Leeds should break the bank to sign him as it is vital to have a top goalkeeper in the Premier League. He would be a good investment either way since his value will only increase.
Steve: In many respects, our squad is pretty reasonable. Once the right formation was used last season, we were a higher-middle ranking club. Yes we need some additions, but who? Everyone is looking and we just can't afford to go mad. Darlow is more than adequate as a number one, so maybe we wait on that one.
Andrew: Darlow is a good goalkeeper but maybe not quite top notch, while Perri has been unimpressive. I think getting James Trafford to Leeds is too far-fetched, but I think Nick Pope would be a good fit. I'm sure Leeds also have some targets from overseas on their radar.
In terms of actual names Leeds are chasing, it is difficult to discern at this stage, but I know they admire the Czech player Ladislav Krejci. The centre-back was at Wolves last season on loan from Girona.
Leeds enhance data approachpublished at 16:16 BST 23 June
16:16 BST 23 June
Leeds United look will enhance their use of data intelligence in a bid to manage player welfare.
The field of sporting analytics continues to grow and Leeds have deepened their links with Kitman Labs, who offer intelligence in bringing together data points to look after players from an injuries and developmental perspective.
Kitman Labs have been working with Leeds for years at academy level but will now have a more joined up link with the club through to the first team.
CEO of the company Stephen Smith says the move from Leeds "shows intent".
"We are not coming in telling them what to do," he said.
"It's very much about helping them implement the types of processes they want.
"Leeds already have an incredible team. We are giving those brilliant people brilliant insights at the right time so they can make better decisions."
🎧Who should be Leeds' keeper?published at 11:25 BST 23 June
11:25 BST 23 June
Media caption,
The team at BBC Radio Leeds have discussed Leeds United's transfer options this summer.
The goalkeeper position is one where clarity may be needed, with Adam Pope explaining there has been historic interest in Lucas Perri.
Simon Rix of the Kaiser Chiefs questions whether focusing on keeping Karl Darlow is the long-term answer or if Leeds should be looking for someone else.
Watch above or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
And tell us, what do you think Leeds should do with their goalkeeper position? Who should be number one?
Gossip: Leeds close to signing Saints midfielder Charlespublished at 07:47 BST 23 June
07:47 BST 23 June
Leeds United have moved closer to finalising a deal for Southampton's Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles, 22, who only has a year left on his current contract. (Teamtalk), external
No 'gauntlet' but 'relentless' as alwayspublished at 15:03 BST 19 June
15:03 BST 19 June
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A traditional 3pm kick-off is a welcome start to the campaign at Nottingham Forest but a repeat of Leeds' wretched display there last season will not be.
It was during a run which almost cost manager Daniel Farke his job so a stronger showing is a necessity. According to Opta, the only time Leeds have faced Forest on the opening day of a season was when they last became champions of England in 1991-92. Dare to dream and all that!
Brentford are first up at Elland Road a week later and that means, despite the refurbishment of the West Stand, United are not playing back-to-back league games away to start with as some supporters had feared.
A tough October includes consecutive fixtures at defending champions Arsenal, who were the one side that overawed Leeds on both occasions last year, and then at home to rivals Manchester United. The return trip to Old Trafford, where Noah Okafor's double provided a memory for life in April, is a fortnight before the season closes out at Crystal Palace.
United are on their travels over the Christmas period as they and Anton Stach's right boot are scheduled at Villa Park on Boxing Day. Last season, the German's thunderous free-kick left the Champions Leaguers requiring a late equaliser as Leeds went toe to toe with another side in the upper echelons of the table.
East meets west as newly promoted Hull City provide the Yorkshire derby opponents before the year is out at the MKM, while Everton are the first visitors to Elland Road in 2027 before the FA Cup campaign begins.
Farke and his side rode out the storm to prevail and prove they could cope and compete with the best.
Some 12 months on, the fixtures may look kinder but this is the Premier League, which is relentless and where the broadcasters' picks can compound the difficulty of trying to stay up for another season.
That, of course, remains the target as Leeds aim to re-establish themselves.
Nottingham Forest v Leeds: Did you know?published at 12:01 BST 19 June
12:01 BST 19 June
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest will play Leeds United on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
Last season, both sides won their respective home games 3-1.
The Whites have only faced Nottingham Forest in their opening league game of the season once before; they won 1-0 in 1991-92 under Howard Wilkinson, winning the top-flight title that campaign.
However, Nottingham Forest in the top flight are unbeaten in 14 against the Whites at the City Ground (W7 D7) since losing 2-0 in 1971-72.