Good Morning. It's Wednesday 21st May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Wrexham have no interest whatsoever in Bamford
Wrexham's executive director, Humphrey Ker, has firmly shut down speculation linking the club with a move for Leeds striker Patrick Bamford. The rumors emerged amidst a flurry of transfer gossip surrounding the newly promoted Championship side, fueled by their Hollywood star ownership and reputation for attracting experienced EFL talent.
Ker addressed the Bamford rumours directly during a recent radio appearance, responding with a blunt "no" when asked about the possibility of signing him or Jamie Vardy. He further elaborated on the club's transfer strategy, highlighting the "clickbait" effect of the Wrexham name.
Actually, I should stop doing this, because eventually you might say someone where I have to be like, 'Yes,'" Ker joked. "I will say that obviously one of the things is that – much like Ryan Reynolds – the name Wrexham generates clicks, so we are starting now to get linked with absolutely everybody.
Ker revealed that many of the rumoured targets are completely unknown to the club's recruitment team. He recounted instances of seeing Wrexham fans on social media expressing outrage over rumoured signings, despite the club having no prior interest in the players. “I’m like, ‘Who?’ I see people, I saw our fans getting absolutely incandescent on Twitter about it. ‘What on Earth are they doing trying to sign this guy?!’ when none of us have heard of him before!”
The dismissal of the Bamford link comes as little surprise, considering the striker's recent struggles with injury and form. While he played a part in Leeds' promotion-winning campaign, his goalscoring record has been underwhelming, with 20 goals in the past four seasons. Moreover, with Leeds back in the Premier League, Bamford's hefty wages, reportedly around £90,000 per week, would likely cripple the Welsh minnows.
Josip Juranovic on Leeds United's Radar: A Versatile Option for the Whites
Josip Juranovic, the experienced Croatian international, is reportedly attracting interest from Leeds United, adding his name to a growing list of potential defensive reinforcements for the club. The 29-year-old currently plays for Union Berlin, but his versatility and proven track record are making him an appealing option for several Premier League outfits including West Ham, Fulham and Burnley.
Juranovic's appeal stems from his extensive experience, boasting 39 caps for Croatia, and his adaptability across multiple positions. He can comfortably operate on either defensive flank, providing valuable cover at both right and left-back. Furthermore, he's also capable of playing in midfield, offering tactical flexibility that would be a boon to any squad.
The versatile defender joined Celtic in the summer of 2021 for a modest £2.5 million before making the move to Union Berlin just 18 months later for a fee that tripled his initial value. While injury has limited his league game time to 1159 minutes this season, his qualities remain highly regarded.
Juranovic is known for his tenacious and hard-work on the field. He's a reliable defender, consistently covering his assigned area and making timely interceptions. His strong running ability allows him to cover ground quickly and disrupt opposing attacks, making him a valuable asset. In an article during the latter stages of 2022, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan painted a different picture
of the 29yo altogether, insinuating he was a disruptive influence, stating...
They are in a really healthy place but if a player is not happy and making noise in the changing room, that can disrupt everyone else. If a player is desperate and does not want to play for the club then there is no point in keeping them. No matter how big they are, what name they are, how long they have got on their contract. Once that starts happening it has got to be rectified as quickly as possible.
