Good Morning. It's Monday 12th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds could hold advantage in pursuit of Maeda
Leeds are in the mix for Celtic's in-form attacker Daizen Maeda, a player known for his blistering pace and eye for goal. The 27yo has netted 33 times for the Scottish Championships (in all competitions) and provided ten assists).
Leeds face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs including Fulham, Brentford, West Ham, and Crystal Palace, yet the Whites may hold the upper hand. AO Tanaka and Daizen Maeda are close friends. This could very well influence where he ends up this Summer!
However, Celtic are said to have placed a £25 million price tag on Maeda, which could deter some suitors. Whether Leeds are willing to meet that valuation remains to be seen, especially considering other areas they may need to strengthen in the squad.
Interestingly, despite their close friendship, Tanaka and Maeda have never played together at club level. Their shared history lies in representing Japan on 16 occasions across various levels, including the U23 team, the Olympics team, and the senior national side. This existing bond could potentially give Leeds a slight advantage in their pursuit, should they decide to pursue the deal.
The high regard for Maeda within Celtic is evident, as he recently swept the board at their end-of-season awards, claiming the top goalscorer, players' player of the season, and overall player of the season awards. Even Tanaka was visibly impressed, commenting on Maeda's Instagram post expressing his astonishment at his friend's achievements.
McAtee on Leeds radar
According to The Sunday Mirror, Manchester City are reportedly willing to entertain offers of around £25 million for James McAtee this summer, sparking a potential bidding war among several clubs. Leeds United are among the teams vying for his signature, alongside Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and even Bayer Leverkusen. McAtee, seeking regular playing time after only three league starts this season, might find it difficult to break into City's starting eleven consistently. With his contract expiring next summer, City may be keen to capitalize on his value before potentially losing him on a free transfer.
Despite limited opportunities, McAtee has consistently impressed when given the chance, earning praise from Pep Guardiola as a "special player." This suggests he possesses the talent and potential to thrive elsewhere. Leeds, in particular, could benefit from McAtee's arrival, as they currently lack depth in the number 10 role. With Brenden Aaronson being the only natural fit for that position and Joel Piroe's skills better utililed up front, McAtee could provide a much-needed boost to Leeds' attacking options. Leeds fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if their club can win the race for his signature and bring him to Elland Road.
Adiós Junior
Junior Firpo's time at Leeds is drawing to a close, with reports suggesting he is "close" to rejoining his former club, Real Betis. This move would represent an emotional return for the left-back, who has openly expressed his fondness for both Leeds and Betis.
Despite his evident affection for the Leeds supporters, showcased during the club's recent celebrations, Firpo's future remains away from Elland Road. While the player himself playfully urged club chairman Paraag Marathe to offer him a contract extension during the post-season festivities, and teammate Largie Ramazani has publicly expressed his desire for Firpo to stay, a move to Real Betis remains on the cards.
Last season, the 28-year-old showcased glimpses of brilliance. Statistically, he was one of Leeds' standout performers, contributing a notable four goals and ten assists across 2622 minutes of game time. Whilst even in the Championship his defensive vulnerabilities were somewhat exposed, his attacking prowess, especially when afforded a more liberated role, proved decisive on numerous occasions.
The transfer will see Firpo return to the club where he first made his name, playing 43 senior games and contributing to 12 goals before earning a move to Barcelona. It would also reunite him with former Leeds teammates Marc Roca and Diego Llorente, who both made permanent switches to the La Liga side last Summer.
Firpo has previously described Leeds as his "second home," highlighting the emotional connection he has forged during recent times in Yorkshire. Am I sad to see him go - No! We've seen the best of Junior this season, and got our monies worth. He will move to the City of Seville with our best wishes for the future!
