The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 16th June) - Roberts on his way to St Andrews
Good Morning. It's Friday 16th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Roberts on his way to St Andrews
Birmingham City are on the verge of completing the signing of Tyler Roberts, as Leeds start their rebuilding process with life in the Championship. Roberts spent last season on loan with Queens Park Rangers, but returned to Elland Road in March after a calf injury saw his season cut short. He made twenty appearances for the Hoops, scoring four times. As of yet, the fee has not been disclosed, but multiple reports suggest it's seven figures, and includes multiple add-ons.
Leeds snapped him up in the dying hours of the 2018 Winter transfer window for £2.5m (from West Brom) but never really lived up to his potential. He made 101 appearances for the Whites, mostly under Bielsa's watch, and netted nine times.
Hammond bought in to navigate Summer transfer window
With the transfer window in full flow, Leeds have bought in experienced Director of Football Nick Hammond on a three month contract to help oversee, what is expected to be a turbulent couple of months for the Whites. The 55yo former lower league goalkeeper has his work cut out. Departures are likely to run into double figures, whilst they also try to build a squad, capable of automatic promotion at the first time of asking.
After retiring in 2000, Hammond stayed on at Reading, learning about player recruitment, handling incoming transfer offers, negotiating player contracts and scouting assignments. He left in 2016, where he then had successful spells at West Brom and Celtic. He joined Newcastle Utd on a short term contract to help them through the 2022 January transfer window, whilst they waited for Dan Ashworth to arrive from Brighton. During this time, he was instrumental in the signings of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Chris Wood.
According to Phil Hay, Leeds are conducting a major review of their recruitment and scouting departments. Hammond’s arrival will allow 49ers Enterprises to take their time in making sure their next appointment is the right one.
Girona looking to hijack Roca deal
Spanish media outlet 'Fichajes' have reported that Girona are poised to hijack Marc Roca's loan move to Real Bettis. The 26yo was due to sign a season long loan with the Saville based club in the next few days, subject to a permanent deal next Summer, but interest from the Blanquivermells, have put a spanner in the works.
Roca, a €12m buy from Bayern Munich last Summer, started his Elland Road career strongly, before tailing off after the World Cup. Leeds will be keen to remove his salary from their books. It is estimated that Leeds spent £56,420,000 on wages last season (22/23 according to Capology); £48,390,000 more than it cost Luton Town to swap places with them.
Koch on Manchester Utd's radar
Robin Koch is on Manchester United's shortlist according to Sky Sports in Germany. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg 'loose talks' having taken place between the bitter rivals over Koch's availability.
Koch, 27 next month made the most number of appearances in a Leeds shirt last season (36 league), racking up 3178 minutes of game time. He's been a player who continues to divide opinion. Some see him as just above average whilst others rave about him. He joined Leeds during the Summer of 2020, as they headed to the top flight, for a fee in the region of £13m. He has twelve months left on his four year contract.