Good Morning. It's Thursday 22nd August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds land Summerville replacement
Leeds are set to seal the signature of highly rated winger Largie Ramazani from Almeria, with a transfer fee of around £10m, plus a 15% sell-on-clause being suggested. The former Belgium U21 International, who previously spent three years at Manchester United's academy, is set to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch later today, ahead of a scheduled press conference. He began his career at Anderlecht and later played for Charlton Athletic and Manchester United. He moved to Almeria in 2020 for a nominal fee.
He is seen as a direct replacement for Crysencio Summerville. Predominantly, he plays as an inverted left winger, who likes to cut inside. He's quick, has great ball control, and an eye for goal. He can also play right wing or as a lone striker. He was linked with a move to Everton last Summer, until Almeria's £34m price tag became evident.
Explosive winger linked with Elland Road loan move
Leeds have enquired about taking explosive winger Manor Solomon on loan from Spurs this season. The 25 year old Israeli International spent much of last season sidelined with a knee injury, managing just six appearances. He joined the North London outfit in 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk, penning a 5 year contract. He is highly thought of by Ange Postecoglou, but given his lack of game time, is expected to go out on loan. Many European clubs have enquired about Solomon, but he's made it clear he wants to stay in England.
Given Grétar Steinsson's close working relationship with his former club, a deal looks promising. Solomon would be a massive upgrade on Jaidon Anthony, who has also been linked with a return to Elland Road over the past few weeks. He was the fourth-fastest player in the Premier League last season, and could terrorise defences in the Championship.
Is Gnonto pushing for Elland Road exit?
Reports from France are suggesting that Wilfred Gnonto is pushing for a move away from Elland Road this Summer. The 20 year old Italian International, a £3.8m transfer deadline signature two years ago had endured a love-hate relationship with the Elland Road faithful in the past twelve months. He went on strike this time last year after Leeds blocked a move to Everton, but worked his way back into their good books with some exciting displays.
Having lost his best friend (Crysencio Summerville to West Ham) and seen strike partner Georginio Rutter join Brighton, Gnonto can be forgiven for questioning Leeds lack of ambition. He's keen to play top flight football, and get back to the Italian starting line-up, which he isn't going to do whilst playing in the Championship. Leeds probably would have sold him by now had it not been for his 'extraordinarily high' sell on fee due to former club FC Zurich, which could be as much as 25% - 40%. Given their frivolous activities in recent times, Gnonto's departure would not go down well with the ER faithful.
