Leeds lose Struijk, eye keeper move, bank sell-on windfall
Leeds fan Michael ‘Little Mick’ Hewitt, missing en route to the World Cup, was found safe in Barcelona after a fellow supporter recognised the Leeds salute and alerted authorities.
Speculative plan outlines Leeds’ ideal back line after Struijk’s sale, touting targets like Nico Elvedi and £25m-rated Zion Suzuki, plus a back three with Rodon and Bijol under Daniel Farke.
After repeated bids for Shea Charles were rejected, Leeds are urged to consider alternatives Ngal’Ayel Mukau, Mandela Keita and Arthur Atta to bolster midfield depth and cover Ethan Ampadu.
Leeds await free transfer for Harry Wilson, who is training in Portugal with Harry Maguire, Matty Cash and James Maddison. Multiple sources say the deal is agreed and set to be finalised soon.
Leeds are set to earn up to £3m via a 15% sell-on as ex-academy defender Charlie Cresswell leaves Toulouse for Rennes in a £24m deal, two years after his £3.8m Elland Road exit.
Leeds are interested in Japan keeper Zion Suzuki but are not advancing, with Aston Villa sounding him out if Emi Martinez leaves. Darlow’s contract call could force Leeds to act.
Man United and West Ham are in talks over ex-Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville. A move to Old Trafford would anger Leeds fans, with no reported sell-on clause from his £25m 2024 exit.
With Pascal Struijk sold to meet PSR needs, Leeds expect Alex Cairns’ new deal and will confirm Harry Gray’s loan to Sheffield Wednesday within 48 hours. Decisions on Darlow and Byram remain.
Isaac Schmidt is set to leave Leeds permanently, with Basel and Young Boys preparing bids after his Werder Bremen loan. The 49ers are expected to accept as Leeds clear fringe players.
Ao Tanaka’s error led to Brazil’s late World Cup winner over Japan. Leeds staff contacted him to offer support after he said he felt responsible. Aaronson and Okafor remain in the tournament.
Leeds aim to consolidate after finishing 14th, but rivals strengthen: Spurs spend big on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while Nottingham Forest appoint Oliver Glasner, raising the bar.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin showed frustration after Noah Okafor’s giveaway vs Algeria, saying he was unhappy with late ‘defensive organisation’. The Leeds winger must impress to keep his place.
Graham Smyth says Pascal Struijk is ‘criminally underrated’ and warns Leeds will miss him after his £20m move to Brighton, urging a quality, likely left-footed centre-back replacement this summer.
