Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 6th January) What were Leeds trio doing in the MUFC dressing room
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Good Morning. It's Tuesday 6th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
What were Leeds trio doing in the MUFC dressing room
According to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, three Leeds players, Dan James, Illia Gruev, and Noah Okafor were spotted entering Manchester United’s dressing room following their recent clash at Elland Road. The incident, which has since sparked backlash among Leeds fans, highlights the fine line players walk in high-stakes derby matches. While the exact reason for their visit remains unclear, the timing and context have fuelled criticism.
Derbies are a breeding ground for tension, and even minor infractions can blow up in a player’s face. For these three, the situation is trickier because none have had particularly smooth seasons. Okafor, in particular, has been a lightning rod for mixed reactions. Signed to bring flair and urgency down the wing, he showed promise in early September but has since struggled to recapture that form. His inconsistent performances have left fans divided, with some suggesting his £18m could have been spent better.
Dan James and Ilia Gruev aren’t immune either. James has barely made a dent in Farke's squad this season. Lack of form and various injuries have restricted the Welsh International to just 363 minutes all season; whilst Gruev continuous to be used as a squad rotation player. Entering the opposition’s dressing room, regardless of intent, risks amplifying existing frustrations. Leeds fans, known for their passion and loyalty, often hold players to a higher standard, especially when it comes to respecting derby etiquette.
Clubs typically handle such incidents internally, but with social media amplifying every detail, the pressure mounts. Whether it was a genuine mistake, a moment of poor judgment, or something else, the trio now face the unenviable task of shifting focus back to their on-field contributions. For Okafor, James, and Gruev, the challenge is twofold: proving they can deliver under pressure and ensuring they don’t become collateral in a rivalry already charged with emotion.
Leeds plot Doekhi capture
Union Berlin’s highly‑rated centre‑back Danilho Doekhi has been on Leeds Utd's radar for weeks, and now it seems Leeds are ready to make their move. The former Dutch U21 International centre-back only has six‑month to run on his current contract, prompting the Elland Road hierarchy to open talks with the 27yo. Whilst the Bundesliga outfit don't want to lose their best player (tops their Whoscored rating with 7.14 and four goals), if Leeds can put a suitable financial package together, it may limit the damage.
The link between Elland Road and Berlin goes deeper than a name on a transfer list. Leeds former assistant manager Danilo de Souza swapped the White Rose for the Berliner Bear last summer, taking on the No. 2 role at The Stadion An der Alten Försterei. On the pitch, Doekhi ticks all the boxes that Leeds crave. He’s an aerial specialist, both defensively and offensively, and his timing on set‑pieces makes him a natural threat in the box. Leeds have already shown a knack for dead‑ball glory, 14 goals from corners and free‑kicks this season, second only to Arsenal’s 15. Adding a player who can win duels and add another dimension at the far post would only amplify that strength. His comfort in a back‑three mirrors the system Leeds have been experimenting with under new management, offering a seamless tactical fit without a steep learning curve.
In short, Danilho Doekhi is more than a good signing; he’s a strategic fit that aligns Leeds’ current squad profile, their set‑piece prowess, and the existing Leeds‑Berlin connection. With six months left on his contract and a price tag that reflects his contract situation rather than his ability, the Whites have a rare opportunity to grab a player who can plug a defensive need, boost aerial firepower, and reinforce the cultural ties that already exist between the two clubs. If Leeds move quickly, Doekhi could become the next cornerstone of a Leeds side that’s eager to turn its set‑piece success into a full‑season statement.
Hull dream of permanent Gelhardt move
Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı has made it clear that he would love to keep Joe Gelhardt on a permanent basis, but he also admits that sealing a deal this summer will be a tough sell. After helping the Tigers stay in the Championship last season, Gelhardt turned down richer offers from elsewhere to re‑join Hull on loan, a move that has already paid dividends. In just 19 appearances this campaign he’s netted ten times and supplied two assists, including an eye‑catching spell of eight goals in ten games before a calf injury forced him off in a 4‑1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the start of last month. The striker is expected to be back in training later in January, and the club’s fans are already dreaming of what he can do once fit again.
The financial picture complicates matters. Hull’s accounts show that the club would be unable to trigger a permanent transfer this month, but if they avoid any further late payments they should be free to negotiate normally when the summer window opens. Meanwhile, the Tigers sit high up the table, still very much in the promotion race, and a successful climb to the Premier League would dramatically change the club’s purchasing power.
“Gelhardt is a special boy,” Ilicali told Hull Live. “The fans know the story about how much he pushed to come here, plus how much he sacrificed to come back to Hull City. Our target is to have him permanently, he’s our own player.” He added that, despite the challenges, the partnership he and co‑owner Jared have forged over the past year gives them confidence: “We did crazy things last summer; we’re in form and I believe we have the strength and power to bring Joe into our family forever.”
Fans have fretted that Leeds could recall Gelhardt in January and sell him on, but Ilicali says the loan clause leaves only a short recall window, and there are no current plans from the Whites to activate it. “He’s already injured, so a recall makes no sense,” Ilicali explained. “We have a clean relationship with Leeds and they’re happy to see their player thriving at the MKM Stadium. They’re doing well in the Premier League now, so I don’t expect them to pull him back.”
What were Leeds trio doing in the MUFC dressing room
According to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, three Leeds players, Dan James, Illia Gruev, and Noah Okafor were spotted entering Manchester United’s dressing room following their recent clash at Elland Road. The incident, which has since sparked backlash among Leeds fans, highlights the fine line players walk in high-stakes derby matches. While the exact reason for their visit remains unclear, the timing and context have fuelled criticism.
Derbies are a breeding ground for tension, and even minor infractions can blow up in a player’s face. For these three, the situation is trickier because none have had particularly smooth seasons. Okafor, in particular, has been a lightning rod for mixed reactions. Signed to bring flair and urgency down the wing, he showed promise in early September but has since struggled to recapture that form. His inconsistent performances have left fans divided, with some suggesting his £18m could have been spent better.
Dan James and Ilia Gruev aren’t immune either. James has barely made a dent in Farke's squad this season. Lack of form and various injuries have restricted the Welsh International to just 363 minutes all season; whilst Gruev continuous to be used as a squad rotation player. Entering the opposition’s dressing room, regardless of intent, risks amplifying existing frustrations. Leeds fans, known for their passion and loyalty, often hold players to a higher standard, especially when it comes to respecting derby etiquette.
Clubs typically handle such incidents internally, but with social media amplifying every detail, the pressure mounts. Whether it was a genuine mistake, a moment of poor judgment, or something else, the trio now face the unenviable task of shifting focus back to their on-field contributions. For Okafor, James, and Gruev, the challenge is twofold: proving they can deliver under pressure and ensuring they don’t become collateral in a rivalry already charged with emotion.
Leeds plot Doekhi capture
Union Berlin’s highly‑rated centre‑back Danilho Doekhi has been on Leeds Utd's radar for weeks, and now it seems Leeds are ready to make their move. The former Dutch U21 International centre-back only has six‑month to run on his current contract, prompting the Elland Road hierarchy to open talks with the 27yo. Whilst the Bundesliga outfit don't want to lose their best player (tops their Whoscored rating with 7.14 and four goals), if Leeds can put a suitable financial package together, it may limit the damage.
The link between Elland Road and Berlin goes deeper than a name on a transfer list. Leeds former assistant manager Danilo de Souza swapped the White Rose for the Berliner Bear last summer, taking on the No. 2 role at The Stadion An der Alten Försterei. On the pitch, Doekhi ticks all the boxes that Leeds crave. He’s an aerial specialist, both defensively and offensively, and his timing on set‑pieces makes him a natural threat in the box. Leeds have already shown a knack for dead‑ball glory, 14 goals from corners and free‑kicks this season, second only to Arsenal’s 15. Adding a player who can win duels and add another dimension at the far post would only amplify that strength. His comfort in a back‑three mirrors the system Leeds have been experimenting with under new management, offering a seamless tactical fit without a steep learning curve.
In short, Danilho Doekhi is more than a good signing; he’s a strategic fit that aligns Leeds’ current squad profile, their set‑piece prowess, and the existing Leeds‑Berlin connection. With six months left on his contract and a price tag that reflects his contract situation rather than his ability, the Whites have a rare opportunity to grab a player who can plug a defensive need, boost aerial firepower, and reinforce the cultural ties that already exist between the two clubs. If Leeds move quickly, Doekhi could become the next cornerstone of a Leeds side that’s eager to turn its set‑piece success into a full‑season statement.
Hull dream of permanent Gelhardt move
Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı has made it clear that he would love to keep Joe Gelhardt on a permanent basis, but he also admits that sealing a deal this summer will be a tough sell. After helping the Tigers stay in the Championship last season, Gelhardt turned down richer offers from elsewhere to re‑join Hull on loan, a move that has already paid dividends. In just 19 appearances this campaign he’s netted ten times and supplied two assists, including an eye‑catching spell of eight goals in ten games before a calf injury forced him off in a 4‑1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the start of last month. The striker is expected to be back in training later in January, and the club’s fans are already dreaming of what he can do once fit again.
The financial picture complicates matters. Hull’s accounts show that the club would be unable to trigger a permanent transfer this month, but if they avoid any further late payments they should be free to negotiate normally when the summer window opens. Meanwhile, the Tigers sit high up the table, still very much in the promotion race, and a successful climb to the Premier League would dramatically change the club’s purchasing power.
“Gelhardt is a special boy,” Ilicali told Hull Live. “The fans know the story about how much he pushed to come here, plus how much he sacrificed to come back to Hull City. Our target is to have him permanently, he’s our own player.” He added that, despite the challenges, the partnership he and co‑owner Jared have forged over the past year gives them confidence: “We did crazy things last summer; we’re in form and I believe we have the strength and power to bring Joe into our family forever.”
Fans have fretted that Leeds could recall Gelhardt in January and sell him on, but Ilicali says the loan clause leaves only a short recall window, and there are no current plans from the Whites to activate it. “He’s already injured, so a recall makes no sense,” Ilicali explained. “We have a clean relationship with Leeds and they’re happy to see their player thriving at the MKM Stadium. They’re doing well in the Premier League now, so I don’t expect them to pull him back.”