Good Morning. It's Monday 17th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Bo Svensson emerges as odds on favourite
The managerial situation at Leeds United has taken a dramatic twist over the past few days, with betting odds on Bo Svensson replacing the current incumbent shortening to evens (1/1) with talkSPORT Bets, a figure that suggests the move is seen as a real possibility rather than idle speculation. Just several days ago, Svensson’s name wasn’t even on the radar of bookmakers, making this sudden surge notable in both betting and football circles.
Svensson, a 46-year-old Dane with a distinguished background as both defender and coach, most recently served as head coach at Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin. Before that, his most high-profile tenure was at Mainz 05, where he inherited a side rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga table in 2021 and steered them to safety against the odds. His coaching journey also includes a spell at Austria’s FC Liefering (2019–2021), a feeder club for Red Bull Salzburg. This Red Bull connection could prove significant given Red Bull 10% stake in Leeds United, a minority holding that, while not controlling, potentially influences recruitment thinking.
The current Leeds boss has reportedly been under pressure for weeks. According to the Daily Mail, widely perceived as an outlet with close links to the club’s ownership group 49ers Enterprises, the head coach was given a five-match window to turn results around before the Nottingham Forest fixture. That match ended in a heavy defeat, leaving Leeds with upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The Aston Villa tie now looms as a potential tipping point. Should Leeds fail to secure points, their average will dip below one point per game, a metric often suggested around Elland Road to assess Farke's performance level. Falling under that threshold could trigger swift action from the 49ers hierarchy, who are well aware of the importance of not being dragged into the regegation zone.
From an odds perspective, bookmakers’ markets are now firmly leaning towards Svensson. An even-money quote implies a 50% implied probability — remarkable considering that Marco Rose, Brendan Rodgers, Carlos Corberán, Gary O’Neil, and Steven Gerrard comprise the chasing pack, all at significantly longer prices. While odds alone should never be mistaken for fact, sudden shifts of this magnitude often signal credible information entering the market, whether through agent manoeuvring, internal discussions, or media briefings.
If Villa inflict further misery, the combination of poor form, a pre-set review period, and an available, well-connected candidate with Bundesliga pedigree could prove irresistible. For now, Svensson has jumped from a complete outsider to the most-likely successor — and in football’s fast-moving world, such shifts rarely happen without reason.
Leeds hold advantage on on Maeda pursuit
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Leeds United are desperate to add quality in their final third if they are to avoid the drop. Joe Rodon, Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor lead the goal tally for the Whites with two apiece whilst Anton Stach, Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff have also found the target.
It now appears that Leeds could hold significant advantage in the race to sign Celtic hitman Daizen Maeda, with a deal reportedly valued at around £15 million. The Yorkshire club have made no secret of their need for extra firepower, especially after links to Ivan Toney faded following Fabrizio Romano’s latest update, which all but ruled out a move for the former Brentford striker.
Maeda, 28, is coming off an outstanding 24/25 campaign in Scotland, netting 20 goals in all competitions and adding relentless work rate, versatility, and incisive movement to his attacking game. Capable of playing centrally or on either flank, the Japanese international has impressed with his high pressing, willingness to challenge physically, and a sharp eye for goal.
While Everton and West Ham also have the Celtic star on their radar, Leeds may have a unique edge thanks to Maeda’s close friendship with ER favourite Ao Tanaka. The pair being long-time Japan national team colleagues and often publicly interacting on social media. Since joining Celtic, Maeda has scored more than 40 goals and ranked among the Scottish Premiership’s top 10 for shots on target last season, offering a dynamic threat that could surpass the output of strikers such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Nmecha.
At £15 million, his signing would be viewed as excellent value in today’s market, and Leeds’ hierarchy will be keen to use Tanaka’s influence as a persuasive factor. For the 49ers-backed owners, January could prove decisive in reshaping the season, and clinching Maeda’s signature might just be the attacking spark the club needs to push up the table.
