The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 5th August) Atalanta join race for Muniz
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Good Morning. It's Tuesday 5th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Atalanta join race for Muniz
The transfer window is heating up, and the race for Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz has taken a significant turn, with Serie A giants Atalanta entering the fray. This development comes as Ivan Jurić's side look for a replacement for Mateo Retegui, who joined Saudi side Al Qadsiah for a staggering £56 million.Atalanta, who impressively finished third in Serie A last season, can offer Muniz the allure of Champions League football – a significant draw that Leeds United cannot match. This fresh competition adds considerable pressure on Leeds, who, as the Paixao deal demonstrated, have learned that patience in the transfer market can be a risky gamble. With less than four weeks until the summer window slams shut and only Joel Piroe as their recognised forward, time is rapidly running out for the Elland Road club.
Complicating matters further is Fulham's steadfast position. The Cottagers have made it clear they have "no intention" of letting Muniz leave this summer. Crucially, they also hold an option to extend his contract by a further year, effectively meaning he has two years remaining on his current deal.
Clearing the decks - Player roundup
Promotion back to the Premier League isn't just about celebrating and planning for exciting new arrivals; it's also a time for ruthless decisions. This inevitably means identifying players who are now deemed surplus to requirements.Darko Gyabi: The unfulfilled promise
The former Manchester City hotshot, acquired three years ago for £5 million as part of the Kalvin Phillips transfer saga, was once touted as a future midfield linchpin. However, the 21-year-old has never truly made significant inroads into the Leeds first team, spending last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.His stint at Home Park offered glimpses of his potential – powerful running, athleticism, and occasional flashes of technical brilliance, but now back in the top flight, Gyabi finds himself pushed further down the pecking order.
Newly promoted to the Championship, Wrexham and League 1, Cardiff City are reportedly among a host of clubs showing interest. For Leeds, it’s about recouping a decent portion of their investment and freeing up wages, while for Gyabi, it’s a crucial opportunity to find a permanent home where he can finally kick-start his senior career.
Joe Gelhardt: Seeking a fresh start
Another young talent considering his options is Joe Gelhardt. The dynamic forward has often flickered with potential, particularly in his early Leeds days, but has struggled to nail down a consistent starting berth. His second-half of last season loan spell at Hull City offered him valuable game time, and that familiarity has seen the Tigers throw their hat into the ring once more.However, Gelhardt's potential departure could see him heading north of the border. Scottish heavyweights Rangers are reportedly in advanced talks with Leeds regarding a £3 million move. Such a fee would represent a decent return for a player who, despite his moments of brilliance, hasn't consistently delivered.
Sam Greenwood: The dead-ball dilemma
Dead-ball specialist Sam Greenwood is also widely expected to be on the move this summer. The 23-year-old has had loan spells at Middlesbrough and more recently Preston North End. While his set-piece delivery and long-range shooting ability are undeniable assets, neither Boro nor Preston opted to activate their £1.5 million purchase clauses, suggesting his overall impact wasn't quite enough to justify the outlay for them.Despite this, reports suggest interest from clubs like Middlesbrough (again) and Leicester City, with fees of £3 million to £4 million being touted. Given the prior reluctance to pay even £1.5 million, a more realistic valuation for Greenwood would likely be closer to £1 million.
Mateo Joseph: The wantaway wonderkid
One of the more contentious figures potentially leaving Elland Road is Mateo Joseph. The "wantaway" striker has shown immaturity, refusing to join Leeds United's training camp in Germany, a clear signal of his desire to move on. In truth, a loan move should have happened last season; at 21, he looked somewhat out of his depth in the Championship and desperately needs consistent first-team football in a less demanding environment.With three years left on his contract, Leeds hold a strong negotiating position, but his recent actions could complicate matters. Spanish side Real Betis have reportedly agreed personal terms with Joseph, but are unwilling to meet Leeds’ ambitious £12 million valuation.
Ilia Gruev: A midfield mismatch?
Ilia Gruev has enjoyed a decent pre-season, showcasing his defensive midfield capabilities and tidy passing. However, securing an Elland Road future for the 25-year-old Bulgarian looks increasingly difficult, especially considering the significant midfield reinforcements at ER this summer.While it's easy to suggest "stick him on the bench," that's not exactly a constructive approach for a player who needs to be playing regularly at this stage of his career, nor is it optimal squad management for a Premier League side.
Patrick Bamford: High-Earning and regularly injured
Perhaps the toughest player to offload will be Patrick Bamford. Despite loose transfer talk linking him to moves to Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, and even Wrexham, his astronomical £90,000 per week wages combined with an injury list that could rival the length of ‘War and Peace’ make him a challenging proposition for potential suitors.The soon-to-be 32-year-old's fitness issues have severely limited his availability and impact in recent seasons. It’s a harsh reality, but Bamford will likely see out his days in the reserves at Leeds, unless a lower league club willing to take a significant gamble on his fitness and subsidise a portion of his wages comes forward.
Largie Ramazani: Unfancied talent
Largie Ramazani's situation is peculiar. Despite flashes of brilliance on the pitch, the former Manchester United apprentice doesn’t appear to be fancied by Daniel Farke. His future at Elland Road seems contingent on whether Leeds bring in a marquee left-winger this summer. If such a signing materialises, Ramazani could find himself surplus to requirements. Leeds would likely jump at an opportunity to recoup what they paid for the Belgian star, allowing him to seek a fresh challenge where he feels more valued.Illan Meslier: Time for a clean slate
Illan Meslier’s days at Elland Road are almost certainly numbered following the arrival of Lukas Perri. The former French Under-21 international, once seen as a long-term solution, has endured a challenging period, with consistent errors creeping into his game. He desperately needs a fresh start away from the intense scrutiny of Elland Road. With just twelve months left on his contract, Leeds face a dilemma: sell him now or risk losing him for free next summer.The club may need to give the 25-year-old a ‘gentle prod’ in the direction of the exit door to ensure they receive a transfer fee. He has been linked with moves to Besiktas and Leicester City, but as yet, no official offers have materialised.