Leeds promote Lienou as defence plans take shape
Leeds academy graduate James Milner, 40, retires after 654 Premier League games. He thanked Leeds in his statement: “From making my debut for Leeds United… I could never have dreamed of the journey.”
Leeds assess centre-backs amid Pascal Struijk uncertainty, with Wolves’ Ladislav Krejci a serious £26m option. Danilho Doekhi and Nathan Ake are also monitored as Farke pushes summer reinforcements.
Crystal Palace shortlist Frank Lampard after Glasner’s exit. If he leaves promoted Coventry, Leeds’ relegation rivals could be weakened. Lampard led Coventry up and is planning for 2026/27 there.
Leeds academy left-back Jayden Lienou, 18, earns first senior Wales call-up for friendlies against Ghana and Romania. Yet to debut for Leeds, he was on the bench twice this month.
Leeds plan a major bid for a midfielder likened to Kalvin Phillips as 49ers Enterprises back Daniel Farke’s push to compete rather than just survive.
Paraag Marathe’s SCR focus points to Wilfried Gnonto being sold. Freiburg held talks over a loan but Leeds want a sale or purchase clause, valuing him at more than £12m. Farke’s switch left him a bench option.
BBC Sport list Leeds bottom for VAR and on-field errors: 0 in favour, 4 against. Costly calls cited include a missed Struijk penalty against Sunderland and Gudmundsson’s red against Crystal Palace.
Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic, on 15 goals this season, says he would only leave for a bigger Champions League club, cooling Leeds’ interest as they search for a new forward option.
Leeds weigh re-signing Crysencio Summerville after West Ham’s relegation, but a £30m-£35m fee is mooted and his fit in Farke’s current system is questioned amid budget caution.
Leeds are linked with Shakhtar keeper Dmytro Riznyk as they look to address the goalkeeper issue after Lucas Perri’s struggles and Karl Darlow’s short-term role, with Illan Meslier and Darlow poised to leave as free agents.
