Good Morning. It's Thursday 27th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds is Rodon's priority destination this Summer
Joe Rodon could be set to snub multiple offers from the top flight, and stay at Leeds, if reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post are to be believed. The 26 year old centre-back enjoyed an incredible campaign for the Whites last season, and apparently, he doesn't want it to end. All three clubs who pipped Leeds to promotion, have been fighting it out for the Welsh International's signature, aware that (apparently) his preferred destination next season is Elland Road.
As reported several days ago, Technical Director Gretar Steinsson is leading negotiations, and using his influence with his former club to wear them down. £10m - £12m is an awful lot to spent on a defender when you're in the Championship, but perhaps we are looking at our next Captain? Premier League sides do have the more obvious financial advantage, which ultimately may prove the difference between an Elland Road return and continuing his career elsewhere, but Rodon is believed to consider Leeds his priority destination this summer.
Leeds must start well in opening 5 games
The fixture list for the forthcoming season is out, starting with a home match against recently promoted Portsmouth, returning after twelve years in the wilderness. On paper, the game looks like a home banker, but let's not forget what Ipswich (and Sheffield Utd before them) achieved during their maiden seasons back the Championship! When you're riding the crest of a wave, the impetus can help carry you forward!
Leeds second game will be more tricky. The Baggies were one of four teams (Southampton, Sunderland and Coventry being the others) that the Whites failed to win against last season. Farke's side may have enjoyed the lions share of possession, corners and shots at goal against these sides, but if you don't take your chances, you're going to get punished!
The Athletic's Nancy Froston believes if the Whites can get off to a better start next season, it will make for a less stressful finale; a trip to Home Park! She identifies the opening five games, which also include local derbies against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull, as well as what is expected to be a top of the table clash with Burnley!
Good results in that early period would be a real marker for Farke’s side. After Portsmouth, there is an away trip to West Brom, who also made the play-offs last season and were beaten in the semi-final by eventual winners Southampton. Not factored into our ranking system is the fact that Carlos Corberan’s team were one of only four sides in the 2023-24 Championship that Leeds failed to beat in either league game.
As well as West Brom, Leeds did not register a victory over Coventry City, Sunderland or Southampton. To finish off August’s fixtures, United will take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and Hull City at Elland Road. Wednesday are an interesting prospect this season after they managed to retain the services of manager Danny Rohl.
Wednesday and Hull offer two early Yorkshire derbies — although the latter are a lesser-known entity after the departure of manager Liam Rosenior. His team gave Leeds a close game at Elland Road in the latter part of last season before a dramatic 3-1 win was sealed with a Dan James goal from the halfway line.
If Leeds can replicate most of that form this time around, the promotion picture should look healthy and would make for an enjoyable final day trip to Devon at Home Park. Start well in the opening five and it sets the tone; this is Leeds’ chance to lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign.
