Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Friday, July 15.
James tips Gray to reach the top
Daniel James believes Leeds United youngster Archie Gray possesses the talent required to one day reach the very top of the game. The 16-year-old impressed on his debut in a 4-0 pre-season victory over Blackpool and emerged from the bench in their latest win over Brisbane Roar in Australia on Thursday.
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Gray was twice named on the bench by Marcelo Bielsa last season and was also an unused substitute for Leeds’ final four matches of the campaign. The midfielder has generated excitement amongst supporters and James has backed him to succeed during a fan event in Brisbane on Friday.
“Archie is a great lad,” James said. “The ability he’s got is something that he can take to be one of the best players in the Premier League if not the world.”
Read the full story, here.
Raphinha completes transfer to Barcelona
Raphinha has officially been unveiled as an FC Barcelona player after the last of the paperwork was completed on Friday afternoon. The 25-year-old had two years left on his contract at Elland Road and was always clear that he wanted to pursue his dream of playing for the La Liga side.
Barca have agreed to pay in excess of £50m in full and upfront to the Whites, with a further £5m subject to conditions being met. Leeds have also inserted a penalty clause into their contract which will force extra funds from Barca if they fail to pay up before an agreed date.
Read the full story, here.
Cooper on Viduka
Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper has revealed how he got to know Mark Viduka last season. The Whites are currently on their pre-season of Australia, and the players have been blown away by the support Down Under.
Former Australian forward Mark Viduka played an influential role in increasing Leeds’ popularity in his homeland. He scored 71 goals in 165 games for the Whites and hit double figures in four straight Premier League seasons in the early 2000s.
“I ruptured my hamstring, spent a lot of time watching the game from the stand and obviously Viduka was invited a lot,” Cooper told AAP.
Read the full story, here.
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