Adam Pope: 'Leeds are looking for investment'

Good Morning. It's Thursday 12th September, and here are the Leeds Utd headlines...


Beginning of a new dynasty for Dallas and Cooper

Leeds Utd have handed out brand new four and five year deals to Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper.

It would be fair to say that Stuart Dallas has been one of our standout players this season. The versatile 28yo will play at any position at any time - but will that be good enough if and when we reach the Premiership? Many of 136 displays in the last four years have been been cameo appearances and if truth be known he has not set the World alight until now!

Lets move on to Liam Cooper. I think we all agree that the Scottish centre back is playing to capacity, and I don't feel that there is an awful lot of improvement our Captain has in him. In my opinion Coopers ability is limited, but Bielsa has made sure that he is doing the basics well. The deal lasts until 2024 when Cooper will be 33, and is worth 5m (20k a week).

The Premiership is a different kettle of fish. Before anyone mentions they will be squad players, which clubs award squad players with 4 and 5 year contracts these days? To award 4 and 5 year deals respectively is ludicrous. I bet the rest of the squad are licking their lips about what may be in store for them! Agree?

Why haven't Leeds extended Klich's contract yet? The Polish International is in the final twelve months of his contract whilst Coopers was double that?

What impact will these contracts have on Leeds overall wage bill? They saw a huge rise last season as it increased from £20.7m to £31.4m (52%). Should Leeds achieve promotion is has been disclosed they will owe players and staff £18.1m in bonuses. Many of the wage increases can be balanced against the 30 players that left the club in the Summer.





Popey reveals Leeds need investment

According to Adam Pope, Leeds are on the lookout for new investment. The Leeds Utd journalist was a guest on the 'Talking Shutt Podcast' yesterday where he revealed:

I spoke to Angus Kinnear last week and asked if Leeds are in the market for selling this season. He said selling is not on the cards but I believe they’re still looking for money to come in.

My issue would be if you’re getting more investment you’re going to fracture the ownership. You’ve got the 49ers, Andrea, then somebody else, for me, ruling by committee doesn’t work.

The answer was ‘we’re looking for the right type’. I thought there was potential he [Radrizzani] might have sold up last season but with being top of the league it was clear he wanted to stay.

There is no doubt there’s a need for money. Leeds is a beast that needs feeding and it’s tough for them to make money. How long can he go on for? Another year maybe.

The QSI [Qatar Sports Investments] link is really interesting and we know Radrizzani is friends with Nasser Al-Khelaifi [QSI chairman and Paris St Germain president].

Whether it was used as an attempt to threaten the French authorities, saying ‘I’ll take my money from France and go to England’, but right now I don’t get the impression anyone’s coming in, whether it’s a small amount of money or a takeover.

There are connections with Radrizzani and Nasser Al-Khelaifi so who knows if that reappears at some point.

Baggies angry with Leeds

West Brom have expressed their anger toward Leeds Utd over ticket prices for their forthcoming game on October 1st. Not only is the game going to be screened on Sky Sports, but its a midweek fixture too.

Is £39 a ticket for an away midweek fixture daylight robbery or good value?