Leeds banter 9

09 Jul 2026 22:56:05
If Darlow would prefer to get splinters on his fat backside than play for us, then good riddance.
Seen them come and seen them go but we remain loyal and steadfast with our love and support for our team.
Zetterstrom will do or even Johanson at Stoke, perhaps they would like to represent the mighty Leeds United.

10 Jul 2026 06:28:56
Was Darlow even offered a new LUFC contract to continue to be number 1 at Leeds, though? Seems not.

And,

God help LUFC, if Farke reverts back to his previously failed formation and selection of the first half of last season: goalkeeper Lucas Perri and a back 4 defence this coming season. Nervous. 😓

10 Jul 2026 06:34:15
And, if Leeds United are attempting to offload Lucas Perri ..

Then our recruitment department are going to be heavily focused on signing 2 ( hopefully competent and reliable ) goalkeepers.

..And therefore possibly less focused on other key areas such as a much needed good striker.

10 Jul 2026 06:57:20
I expect Darlow going is a surprise to them, but quite possibly never guaranteed him number 1.
They could use the surprise of Darlow leaving as an excuse as to why they missed out on another key position.

Maybe.
As you say, Baz. Pray Perri goes to Torino and he sticks with 5 at back and not 4.
Quite possibly gonna be tough getting two able goalkeepers and leave enough time and dosh for other needed positions.

10 Jul 2026 07:13:42
Indeed, Aus.

How confident are you in our recruitment dept being able to get done deals for not 1 but 2 (at the very least reliable, preferably good) keepers in 7 weeks?

10 Jul 2026 07:27:49
Not confident on 2.
Plus all the other positions. Gonna be hard graft.

10 Jul 2026 08:04:00
I feel a bit of WUMing going on here.
Everything is falling apart at Leeds United.
We could sign Meslier's sister, I've heard she's better than him.

10 Jul 2026 08:16:48
She couldn't be any worse, OP. 😂 Zetterstrom is a definite possibility. We have watched him for a while, but after a good WC there would be competition.

10 Jul 2026 08:23:19
Indeed indeed, opti.
I think we are saying that signing two able goalkeepers in a transfer window will not be easy.

10 Jul 2026 09:51:21
Third keeper will be insignificant, either an old timer or, more preferably, a youngster.
I can see Peri, for the time being, being number two. I think Peri will improve with time, and will see an opportunity with the new keeper coming to the club.
So the club, in my estimation, will be looking for only one important keeper signing.

09 Jul 2026 19:25:06
Darlow to ****, I guess he never got it!

Time to make moves, Mr Underwood and co.

09 Jul 2026 20:26:34
Very disappointed by this.

I do wonder what contract offer our owners/recruitment team offered Karl Darlow.

Contract as a number 1 or 2?
Salary.. length of contract.

09 Jul 2026 20:33:05
Doesn't really matter, Baz, he's 36 soon and we need better as number 1, but turning down a renewal to go there is ill-advised on his side.

My bigger concern is that Underwood and co have known for 8 days he wasn't gunna re-sign. We all knew it when he let his contract expire.

09 Jul 2026 20:44:57
Yes Dave, .. but it is the same Underwood who failed last season in signing a good reliable number 1 keeper in Perri.

09 Jul 2026 20:47:16
Dave, don't get the ill advised comment. He's quite entitled to go where he wants especially as Leeds are looking to replace him as the number one keeper.
Man U most likely offered him double the salary Leeds had on the table. I don't blame the lad for his choice.

09 Jul 2026 20:48:41
But you're not bothered that he's naffing off over the Pennines despite Leeds resurrecting his career, and giving him his opportunity at #1? If Lammens stays fit he'll benchwarn for the rest of his days. Maybe just me, but that says more about him than it does anyone else at our club!

09 Jul 2026 21:18:54
Indeed, Corkey.. If Leeds were, as reported, looking to bring in a new number 1 with Darlow back to being a number 2

Then who on earth should begrudge that KD grasps the opportunity to move to Man U whilst doubling his salary.

And, if Perri is Leeds number 1 next seez, Leeds are in deep doodoo, imo.

09 Jul 2026 21:49:44
Not big news for me. I don't have a problem with him chasing his last big payday, but for myself that puts him firmly in the Jack Harrison, Wobber et al camp.

Neither Messi nor Darlow will get more than three games in two seasons at their respective new clubs, but that's their prerogative to pick up that sort of money, benchwarming but a cushy number all the same.



Going forward, I have no interest whatsoever in any player that doesn't want to stay and fight for the chance to represent Leeds United.

Thanks for last season, but he had clear weaknesses in terms of positioning, concentration, especially with the ball at his feet, etc., and I firmly believe we can find a top replacement in my personal opinion.

09 Jul 2026 21:50:21
It's likely his last contract at his age, so if he's getting paid a lot more, why wouldn't he leave.
Let's hope we have better lined up.

09 Jul 2026 22:16:40
Class, cmon mate, you can't lump in with those two. I'm 100% certain he would have stayed if he was to continue as the number one keeper. Don't forget he was the number one in our last Championship campaign and then Leeds brought Perri in last season.

He probably believes he deserves to be first choice next season after a good year?
Can't blame him for wanting one last big pay day considering his age.
Brighty, Leeds didn't resurrect his career. He did that himself, by hard work and proving people wrong.

09 Jul 2026 22:34:38
I've posted many times, Corkey. It's wholly irrational on my part (my irrational judgement) , of course Darlow has done nothing wrong in taking the best pay day, which I posted, and I don't have any ill feeling, especially given his horrible choice of club

I just swiftly move any player who doesn't want to stay and play for us to the meh collective, no longer interested in them.



Loved Raphinia, Rutter, but I'm meh about them too now, as I just cannot believe (well I can really, but choose not to) accept that anywhere is better than Leeds United.

On a serious note, he did very well last year behind a very organised defence, but if we are to become established in this division we need better than Karl imo and I believe we will find one.

09 Jul 2026 23:04:53
100% the last paragraph, Class.

09 Jul 2026 23:11:02
The problem is now we need two new keepers!

09 Jul 2026 23:36:49
..2 keepers needed (if number 2 Perri leaves) and no one incoming/lined up.. certainly not Trafford or Suzuku.

It's a bit of a mess right now. 😕
.

10 Jul 2026 05:26:02
It all came down to money. We were unwilling to match the wages offered by Man U or Everton.

10 Jul 2026 06:20:15
Nor should we have Alf, if he was gonna be #2 anyway.

10 Jul 2026 06:37:44
And, if the number 1, whoever that may be, proves to be no better (or less) than KD?

10 Jul 2026 09:42:57
I don't think KD is too bothered about being number one, he's certainly not going to be that at MU unless Lammens breaks a leg. It's all about money, he's 35 and wants one last big payday before he hangs up his gloves, and ####Chester United can afford to pay him more than we can. Don't like it, but can't blame him.

09 Jul 2026 10:38:22
Man Utd's new stadium plans look unbelievable and putting the ER upgrades to shame. It will no doubt still be soulless though.

09 Jul 2026 13:16:07
Wash your mouth out Corky!

09 Jul 2026 14:03:47
I'm hoping they have a ballot for someone to press the button for the demolition charges to bring down the old one, so I can put my name down. Might be a rather long list tho. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

09 Jul 2026 20:05:51
Difference is Corkey, is what our stadium is full of each week. Far better than a few concrete trinkets.

09 Jul 2026 20:15:11
Just more room for the Prawn Sandwich brigade.

09 Jul 2026 09:08:55
A few I’d be looking at.

Keeper. Noah Atubolu, Freiburg.
Contract 2027.

LCB. Jayden Oosterwold, Fenerbache. Contract 2028.

LB, Josh Doig, Sassiolo. Contract 2028.

ATM/10. Gabriel Mec, Gremio. Contract 2027.

ATM/10. Fabio Vieira, Arsenal. Contract 2027.

Striker. Promise David, USG. Contract 2029.

Obviously there’s still the likes of Harvey Elliot, Finn Dahmen, Elvedi, Charles, Openda etc etc.

09 Jul 2026 12:08:48
Good list, Dave. A few there on my list too, particularly Atobolu, Doig, and David. The others look like good suggestions too.

09 Jul 2026 15:57:19
I wouldn't mind seeing Underwood's list!

09 Jul 2026 08:27:34
Happy to see Harry finally announced yesterday.

It’s quite troubling though that the non WC players, I believe, are due back in next week for the start of pre season and we’ve only got 1 new signing in the door.

The lack of any credible links beyond Charles is a worry.

I mean, we all know we need possibly
2x goalie
1/2 x CB’s
1 x LB
1 x 10
1x 9

I can’t see us being genuine contenders for many players still at the WC except maybe Trafford but I would not deal with Man City as they will screw us in a deal for him.



It’s the lack of credible links that I find worrying.

09 Jul 2026 08:44:50
Indeed, Dave.
Esp for that all important number 9.

09 Jul 2026 18:32:39
I've no idea who the player list is, but I can assure you, from previous years, that the names in the papers are usually way off the mark. They usually only find out once the deal is practically completed.

09 Jul 2026 05:45:06
Fantastic to see Wilson deal has been finalized, very good bit of business, on a free and if can repeat last season's form, will be a fantastic addition.
Still rumors of GK and CB. I have watched a few of Swiss games and don’t really think Elvedi that good, he is also right footed, only thing is he’s a free transfer but I’d prefer Diomande, big lad and scores goals but he’s around 30mil.

09 Jul 2026 07:52:37
Elvedi has at least a year left on his contract, and Monchengladbach are looking for £8m plus.

09 Jul 2026 05:35:41
I know we are trying to get a player at a cheaper price, but all this
Leeds are going back with a better offer, just drags it all out and makes us sometimes left high and dry.

Don’t see other clubs go back and forth as much as us.
Why not put best offer in and say: You got 7 days. Or we move on to a different player.

09 Jul 2026 07:44:46
Quite agree, Aus. I have a horrible feeling we are going to leave everything till the last minute again - players coming in after the season has started.

That has the knock-on effect of trying to get us playing like a team with several new faces on board.



It's late September/early October before things settle down and everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing.

Come on, Leeds - World Cup nearly over, let's move things on at a pace!

09 Jul 2026 07:49:51
I agree, Aus. Although we are not privy to the exact details of what's going on, it does seem to happen a lot, and then other teams nip in and get them cheaper than we thought. An example was last season; we were after that creative midfielder, we went back and forth, and he eventually went abroad for less than what the press were quoting.

If you want someone, don't quibble over a million or 2. Just do it.

09 Jul 2026 08:47:48
Indeed Dougie, should quibbling over a million or two be part of the process?

09 Jul 2026 10:20:59
Last season, most of our signings were in place before our friendlies, so hardly last minute. Funny how some here, who complain that we don't do things quick enough, are usually the same people arguing that we have a week of the window left, and not doing anything!

As for quibbling over a couple of million, that might be the difference with complying with the rules or what's available for other options, but of course our armchair recruitment team knows best.

09 Jul 2026 12:28:26
Touchy, touchy, Ani.
Not saying we know best, just throwing opinions about.
Seems like you've picked up Opti's favourite reference.
Some on here, lol.
Chill, buddy.

09 Jul 2026 12:44:42
I disagree with the idea that we are not decisive in the transfer market.
Concerning Charles, we have made two offers for a Championship player who has no experience in the Premiership.
Rule number one, don't be held to ransom by a selling club for an overpriced player.

The club have tried to buy Charles for the price they think he is worth.

The offers have been turned down, and now it's on to the next target.
I honestly don't see any issues in this activity. Charles could be a complete flop in the Premiership; it's a huge divide in quality, and one he might not live up to.
That's a very expensive risk to take in these PSR or whatever it's called now, times.

09 Jul 2026 14:30:27
Reports we went back with at least two better offers, Opti. Your thoughts on that strategy, please. Chip in, Ani. More opinions the better.

09 Jul 2026 19:43:51
Well, my strategy, if I was in charge of recruitment, would be to give indications that we were in for players that we have no intention of buying, since a) it causes disruption to the host team, b) unsettles said player, c) likely creates a bidding war for those genuinely in for the player.

Does anyone not believe Anderson to City at such an elevated price was because City were terrified of missing out? Lots of "fake" interest all over Europe, but not a single bid from anyone else. Anyone thinking Spurs approach is the best one?

As for multiple bids, well I m pretty sure everyone here just pays the asking price on everything they buy (home, car etc) . It s likely that it is a set of moving pieces, that add up to the final offer, e.g., will the player and/or agent take a smaller cut, lower salary to facilitate a move? Would a higher salary, bonus facilitate a move, or a longer contract, facilitate a lower initial outlay? A lower sell on percentage etc.

Anyone thinking that buying a player is just a case of turning up with your cheque book is rather naive. (Unless you work for Man City)

When we were in for a big contract, either trying to win it or let it out, I forbid anyone to even mention it by name, location or country. They all had a random code name, so important was it to prevent any competitor to get wind of what we were doing. 90% of the organisation had no clue what we were doing. We never announced any pricing, delivery or scope even when we won said contract. Suppliers were forbidden to even announce they had won a contract from us; they could do it only once the contract was over (often years later) .

This information is gold dust.

I suspect our recruitment team operates in a similar way. Misdirection is key.

08 Jul 2026 20:36:15
Gone are the days where players go off for their summer holidays and get leathered and let themselves go. Listening to Harry Wilson tonight stating he has been away for a two week training camp to allow himself to be ready for pre season training can only impress himself to the coaches and fellow players and make them realise they can't lower their standards.

I know they get paid ridiculous amounts of money but fair play he wants to maximise his fitness and hopefully all this negativity about his 29 years of age will be immaterial.
Let's hope this is the start of some exciting new signings coming through the door.

08 Jul 2026 23:21:33
Yes, it's a different world now. So many players are keeping fit all year round. You have to keep up or miss out.

09 Jul 2026 14:07:30
Seems we are always wrong without valuation on what a player is worth. Other clubs offer, and that's it, deal done. Just look at Ipswich: one offer, 26 Million, price agreed, deal done. Perhaps we need to look at what we offer: one price, not agreed, move on.

09 Jul 2026 14:32:06
Over the years, I think you have taken the title of replying to the wrong post, White. All hail White.

08 Jul 2026 19:50:09
There you go - it's official.

Can you stop whining and moaning about it now?

Trust the process.

08 Jul 2026 20:50:09
Absolutely, Alf! Who's next?

08 Jul 2026 21:33:47
You'll do yourself an injury if you fall off that high horse, Alf.

08 Jul 2026 21:33:55
We are still trying for Charles, but it's more complicated than we would like, by all accounts. We bidded for Elvedi, but that was knocked back, so we will see if we go back in. Other than that, I think our business may be done after the World Cup.

08 Jul 2026 23:21:55
Hate to say I told you so.

09 Jul 2026 07:32:56
On Jun 19, we were told here that "Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt are close to signing" and "Wilson announced next 48 hours".

19 days later, the club announcement of Wilson has now finally come out, but for Brandt, nothing more.

I trust the process, Alf, but remain sceptical of people who clearly don't know as much as they would like us to believe.