Leeds banter 7

25 May 2026 09:27:43
We currently have too many players who are just not up to the quality required. From the current squad, 9 players should be moved on for me.
Cairns, Perri, Meslier, Bornauw
Byram, Gruev, Bounette, Ngoto, Piroe

We would be left with 16 players.
So, to have a 27 man squad we would require the following:

With 11 new players to come in:
2 Keepers
Left/ Wing Back
2x CB
2x CM
2x Wingers
No 10
Striker

6 or 7 of these would need to be up to first choice starter quality while the remainder would be very good squad players.



While some of our best players will undoubtedly be subject to transfer, we should over the following windows be looking at upgrading the 5 or 6 weakest players in the squad every season. Every 4 or 5 season you should have a new squad.

25 May 2026 10:15:02
Leeds agree with that, mate.

25 May 2026 10:54:43
Bornauw has done ok when he's played, so if he's happy as a squad player, I'd keep him. Same goes for Gruev.

25 May 2026 11:52:09
Yep, likewise, probably keep Bornauw and Gruev.

Of the other players on the list above, Cairns, Mes and Byram's contracts end this summer. Buononotte is a loan.

25 May 2026 12:29:12
Agree, Corkey. But I'd dump James before Gnonto.

25 May 2026 13:58:39
Problem with getting rid of James and Harrison is the length of their contracts, and the big increase in salary when they signed. Nobody will give them what they currently have, so we'll probably end up paying off at least part of their contracts if we decide to move them on.

25 May 2026 14:23:29
Bingo Dune re both DJ and Jackie.

25 May 2026 15:06:26
I think this window the priority has to be out:

Meslier (frees nice wages) .
Gelhardt (allegedly on 60k a week when we're in Prem - not sure I believe that) .
Piroe.
Byram.
Wober.
James / Harrison (we may have to eat some wages) .
Buononotte loan end.
If 49ers back Farke, Ramazani has to go too, as Farke doesn't fancy him. If they go for someone new, let the new coach check him out.
Perri if we can recoup most of the fee, otherwise give it another look or backup.
One from Tanaka/Gruev, probably the former if we are backing Farke.

Middle ground - decide to stick or twist with Aaronson. Either sell now or new contract to protect the value. If the USA have a decent World Cup, there'll be some interest stateside, so at the right price send him home.

Ins - new terms for Darlow - 2 yrs.
New terms for Ampadu - 5 yrs.


A 10. Zian Flemming maybe, I have mentioned him before. And he can lead the line too.
Openda perhaps as a wide forward to replace Harrison/James/Ramazani, our terms not Juve's.
A rotating left back. Someone to challenge Gabby, but also understand current form, Gabby is first choice.
Another cm to replace Tanaka or Gruev. Depends on market. Another winger (as my outs have us losing three, maybe) .
Replace any true starter who also leaves, e.g. Aaronson.

That's only actually 5 signings and a net lower squad. But the point is, with one or two exceptions most of the out list haven't contributed much. It would be a smaller squad overall but more impactful if they got it right. A lot of the team chemistry we have is built that everyone feels like they have a role. Too big a squad can hurt that.

25 May 2026 09:19:45
Major rebuild needed. As posters said below. We have been lucky with injuries but also been lucky that late season injuries have highlighted our lack of depth. Originally thought 3-4 quality starters needed but now think we need 3-4 off bench too. Lots to do in next few months. Wrecking ball needed.

25 May 2026 06:49:52
It's incredible to think that Spurs season was only saved by the inexplicable recent non performance of trophy winners and Champions League contenders Aston Villa in their game against each other.
Watching their celebrations after the game was worse than a embarrassment, surely their players should feel ashamed and not celebrate like they won a trophy.


In my mind they did win the imaginary trophy of shame and ridicule in the Premiership.

25 May 2026 08:31:54
Villa's performance and team selection that day was a godsend for Spurs.

25 May 2026 08:51:10
Villa had every right to play any team they want. It's called squad rotation. Realistically, Spurs were highly unlikely to be relegated when they were so bad (even though they whipped out arse) . Always next season though.

25 May 2026 09:47:03
Depends on which perspective you are looking at it, Aus. Don't think West Ham fans would see it that way, or even your good self, if Leeds were in Spams position.
All I'm saying is that Spurs are very fortunate that Villa gifted them survival on a plate.

They won't be beating us either at ER next season.

25 May 2026 10:23:00
On perspective, didn't one team coming up last season actually achieve success? Sunderland, well done to them for beating the drop. One mediocre Leeds did well getting to 14, but could have done better, and one very bad Burnley, shame they couldn't have stayed up. Look forward to next season with about 7 new faces.

25 May 2026 10:40:52
Like Nev said, Spurs have been shambolic and pathetic from the top to the pitch. They celebrated yesterday as if it was the CL final, and that's truly embarrassing.
I think they will be a different animal next season, but they are very lucky that Villa gifted them points.

25 May 2026 11:55:13
Villa played an understrength team vs Spuds.

..And also, the players and their normally very animated manager on touch line displayed zero desire and effort.

25 May 2026 22:43:44
Spurs have finished 17th two seasons on the bounce, and have been very fortunate on both occasions to get there.

25 May 2026 02:54:13
Very disappointed with that lacklustre unprofessional performance showing no respect to the traveling fans. How we can a dire team like spam, who were already doomed to relegation by half time, beat us that easy is shocking.
All eyes on the ins and outs now.

24 May 2026 22:50:51
It’s over and fantastic achievement to get 14th but glad we were safe a few games ago, was getting to bare bones with squad and showed today.
Very underwhelming performance and disappointing to get beat like that, put it down to end of season, being safe and injuries.
Time to build now, think with newly promoted teams, think they look weak and also feel Sunderland, Palace and a couple of other teams will struggle next season and up to 69ers to invest and sell a few.
I have nothing against BA, but he is s****, he was thru in first min and turned back instead of going towards goal, he can’t shoot, can’t take a free kick, can’t link play and falls over constantly, has to go imo?
Also sell Struijk, slow and out of position lots, cash in on him and upgrade, think Rodon and BJ very good, possibly bring in Diasi or Mavropanos.


Would definitely try swap deal with cash for Summerville, James and possibly Piroe.
Need a couple of forwards, wingers and CMF too, big summer ahead.

25 May 2026 09:08:40
We ain't going anywhere next Seez with Baracus still a starter, apart from 4-5 games this Seez where he was ok (in comparison to his norm) hes just not good enough.

And to read some people here felt he was 1 of our most improved, is worrying.



Can't see an offer coming for him so hopefully we just move him onto bench, because we really do need to take a scalpel to the team sheet if we want to stay in Prem.

25 May 2026 10:42:48
He's a handy squad player, if no one picks him up. Lots of ex pros also highlight his improvement and contribution.

25 May 2026 11:03:21
Spot on, CC.
I'm just hoping an Austrian club or similar offer ten million or thereabouts.
I really can't stand him as a player. His constant losing possession and falling over drive me mad. His dribbling away from the opponent's box drives me mad.
He had one good game this season, at Newcastle, and even spoiled that at the end by giving away a penalty.

25 May 2026 12:02:10
After yesterday's very limp, pathetic display vs West Ham, reminding one just how bad Leeds United can be.

Plus.

The very thought of Farke picking BA every match next.

Makes one wonder if maybe replacement of Farke this summer remains a wiser option, especially if owners were able to obtain upgrade on Farke this summer.



Owners are probably very unlikely to do so, though.

So Farke it is for now as Leeds United coach.

25 May 2026 12:09:18
Lots of ex pros have City winning the league.

25 May 2026 17:16:20
Would anyone take Ireloa? Is he an upgrade on Farke?
It would be harsh, but then again?

24 May 2026 18:52:02
I know we are all disappointed by today's performance - never nice to lose a game, especially the last match of the season but when all is said and done, which one of us wouldn't have taken 14th at the start of this season?

Admittedly it got a bit too close for comfort a couple of times but all in all, it's been a really solid first year back in the prem.

Delighted for Daniel Farke - first time he's gone up and stayed up, and considering where we were at half time against Man City a few months ago, the man deserves all the praise he gets.



On to next season - it starts now, let's for once, get our transfer business done early!

Only a couple of our guys going to the World Cup so everyone else can enjoy the break and come back refreshed and ready to go (hopefully alongside a handful of quality newcomers) .

In the meantime guys, let's all sit back and enjoy England (and Scotland) , whilst watching the shenanigans of idiot boy Trump and arse-licking, money-grabbing Infantino, at the World Cup.

Enjoy your summer guys, no matter what you've got planned.

MOT guys. :)

24 May 2026 22:52:53
Good post, Cleggy, on all your thoughts. I will say I thought the first half we were the best side, but we didn't create a clear-cut chance. West Ham were better than us in the second half, and deserved the win.

3 nil maybe harsh, and a bit of a disappointing end to a more than satisfactory season. Some food for thought for the powers that be, that we have some players in the squad who aren't good enough for the PL.

24 May 2026 23:34:55
It's going to be an interesting summer, Feath, that's for sure.

If we can recruit as well as we did last year, then we'll be pretty decent from the off come August.

25 May 2026 08:35:14
It is, Cleggy, because we can't stand still with that squad. I know the likes of Piroe and James haven't had much game time, but when they have, they have produced very little.

25 May 2026 10:43:52
Good posts fellaaaaas! Enjoy your respective summers!

24 May 2026 18:20:35
I'm glad we didn't need that game, very disappointed.

On to next year, see you on the beach - get the wood gone asap.
Thanks
Mot.

24 May 2026 18:43:40
I agree, White. Whilst they'll never admit it, they have not really applied themselves since "safety."

It was a lazy, arrogant [non] performance today, encapsulated by Amps, who had zero drive and / or ambition. Something these privileged players never get is that it costs exactly the same for the travelling fans, i.e., probably all their spare money and beyond, to watch that rubbish.



I expected a defeat, and was somewhat content with one, if only for some jeopardy on the final day, but I want the opponents to earn it with graft. Had Spurs lost, I am sure there would have been some Villa-like comments about our effort.

24 May 2026 18:55:04
Agreed, Ani. Lazy and arrogant performance by the team under Amps today.

And as for Amps player of the season? Nah.. not in my book.

And, as a Leeds captain, he is usually generally reasonably good, but there have been far better Leeds captains.

24 May 2026 19:01:20
Ani4ni, a very well put post. Fully agreed, mate.

24 May 2026 19:19:40
Amps never drives the yeah forward, it's a myth he does.

24 May 2026 19:39:29
How thoughts and comments change in one or two days.

24 May 2026 20:00:14
It was either a tired performance or below par because a lot were missing Gabby, Stach, Okafor, etc.

Overall, they've given their absolute best over the season, and now most of them have an off season to rest, relax and avoid the overuse that most of them at the World Cup won't suffer.

Good luck to Okafor. I hope he has a lovely tournament, and to anyone else I missed.

24 May 2026 20:03:03
OP, no one wants a lesson in fan psychology now (as usually happens) . We are commenting on a turgid performance today against a urine poor Hammers.

So, don't get yourself all in a 2+8 now.
Just breathe and scroll past it. 🤣

Seez is done.

24 May 2026 20:20:39
Chris, I'm only commenting on the unjust comments on Ampadu, which everyone seems to want to blame for the loss today.

Amps was applauded for his award as our best player of the season, now suddenly he's s***.
I get the disappointment of the result today, we all are, but to trash our captain, who has been the main driving force over the season and is part of the reason we are still in the Premiership, is unfair.


Sorry, mate, but I just can't scroll past these kind of posts, it is totally unacceptable to me and more disappointing than the result today.

Having said that, I've said my peace and I'll move on.

24 May 2026 20:31:28
There you go now. Just move along.

I feel I can say this to you, as I hadn't commented on the Faux-award ceremony that took place. 🤣

End of day, it's just a harmless, worthless rant, and we all love on together, that's more important.



Good few of us now, at this stage, have a good few years under our belts on here collectively.

So let's keep it that way, pal.

24 May 2026 20:35:44
Typo.

Move on together.

24 May 2026 21:22:05
I get it. 😉
I'm especially racked off today because for my sins I was forced to spend the day with an Arsenal fan relative whose Premiership title wasn't enough for him and who was cheering every West Ham goal that was scored in hope of Spurs being relegated.



I was seething. I really hope, above any game next season, we beat Arsenal at ER.
Payback with great vengeance.

24 May 2026 21:32:35
🤣🤣🤣 See, every cloud may have that silver lining, pal.

At least we are done now, and hopefully we get a bit of quality in.

24 May 2026 22:36:03
OP, I've been consistent all season on my views on Ampadu. While I recognize he's a good player, he has a few shortcomings:
He can take an age to pass the ball, three or four touches sometimes. He also has a habit in the second half, if we are winning, of sitting so deep, almost as a fourth CB, and inviting pressure.


And lastly, he rarely drives the team forward like a CM captain should do.
Like I say, he's a good player, but don't expect £50 million offers for him.

24 May 2026 22:50:18
Excellent assessment of Ampadu, Corky.

He is one of our better players, a good player with some limitations.

He is defo way overrated by some, though.

24 May 2026 23:12:53
OP, to reemphasise my point, for most of the season, Amps has been key (imo) for setting the tempo of our play, and I believe the team follows his lead. When he's on it and pushing, the whole team does. Today, for whatever reason, he seemed uninterested, and, for whatever reason, so did the team. Even when we went one down, there was no urgency.



We have had a really good season, far better than anyone could have hoped for, and I think Amps has been pivotal in that.

Today he was poor, no one can argue otherwise (plenty others were also) . That was our worst away performance of 2026, by implication against a very poor team.

24 May 2026 23:47:15
Ampadu is no Declan Rice. Where we are today in our evolution, Ampadu is a good leader on the pitch and gives a pretty good account of himself.
Of course, he is limited in quality, like most of the players in our football team, but, at this moment in time, we are not a team that is challenging for Champions League football.



Relax, be happy that we are not Wolves, Burnley or West Ham, and look forward to a new season in the Premiership with new additions to our football team.

25 May 2026 10:49:55
I didn't agree with Amps getting the overall award, but that means nowt.
His team mates voted him their player of the season, and that means a lot. Clearly the majority of Leeds fans did too, and that can't be argued with either.
In my mind, there wasn't a standout player who was head and shoulders above the rest, so someone is always gonna have gripe, whatever the outcome.

That's life.
Amps is deserving of his plaudits, whether anyone likes it or not.
Next season is now the focus.

25 May 2026 22:23:07
Think he got 30% of both votes, so didn't walk away with the awards, which is usually the case with these ceremonies.

24 May 2026 17:57:20
Shockingly poor performance today.

24 May 2026 19:13:24
Not good today.
Two points to raise. West Ham had a good AM who could win the ball but also distribute it forward. He did a shift. The second is that we do need another striker. I like DCL, and both him and Nmecha are ok, but you need someone who will get you 15 goals from open play.

24 May 2026 20:48:10
Very apparent today, pal. There was aidway spell where we were so dominant, and yet couldn't connect up the dots up top.

And, as the adage goes, don't take your chances, then you regret it.

24 May 2026 17:42:59
I'm 71 but think I could put on a better display than Leeds are doing. 😡

24 May 2026 17:57:43
No, what I want to see just goes to show we need to sort this lot out. Very poor show. Thank God it's the end.

24 May 2026 18:12:29
Cjs, totally agree. Horrible performance, very little effort applied, glad I didn't pay out of my pocket to go watch that muck.

Safe home those who did. 🙏

24 May 2026 18:24:55
Absolutely dog doodoo, gutted to finish with that performance.

West Ham are a bad team, but we were far worse than them today.. Unacceptable. 😔

24 May 2026 18:28:26
Baz, mate, agreed. Cc agreed. What a poor performance.

24 May 2026 18:50:13
Missing key players today, but not a performance I recognise from this group, and travelling supporters deserved better.

Probably a blessing in disguise though, as it showed how short we are in terms of squad strength, and possibly 7:8 in today's squad may not, should not, be with us next season.

24 May 2026 20:09:08
We are short on depth. Who did we bring on as subs today? Buananotte, who's done nothing all season (including Chelsea) , Piroe and James, who are good at Championship level but can't bridge the gap to the PL, Bournauw, who is steady but is found out by the pace and intensity of the PL, and Willie G, who I like but doesn't fit into the way we currently set up.


It makes me compare it to rugby union squads. Those teams that do well are those that bring the impact players off the bench.
If the current injury scenario had hit us three months ago, we'd maybe be going down because we lack the depth of squad that's required in the Premier League.

24 May 2026 22:57:35
That was a good enough side to do a lot better, especially with the pressure on West Ham.