Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, June 18.
Bayern director expects Roca to succeed at Leeds
Marc Roca became the third player to sign for Leeds this summer when his move from Bayern Munich was announced yesterday afternoon. It continues to show the ambition from Victor Orta and his colleagues at Elland Road to significantly strengthen the level of depth within the squad.
For a fee of around £10m, Roca seems like something of a steal for the Whites and he has been sent with a glowing reference from Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić. The former Bosnia international told his club’s official website said: “Marc has a wonderful character, he is also a very professional, very good footballer. He always showed us that when he was deployed. Marc came to us now and wanted to get more playing time.
READ MORE: Leeds United learning from previous mistakes as Marc Roca deal shows recruitment progress
“We have therefore agreed to a transfer to Leeds United. We are convinced that Marc will bring Leeds a lot of joy. His qualities are undisputed. We wish him every success on his further path."
Read more here.
Former Leeds captain Jason Pearce announces retirement
Jason Pearce confirmed yesterday afternoon that he is hanging up his boots to move straight into coaching with Charlton Athletic. It brings an end to the 34-year-old’s 16-year professional career which included spells at Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Wigan, Charlton and, of course, Leeds.
Pearce was signed by Neil Warnock in 2012 and made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Whites before leaving for Wigan in 2015. He was briefly given the club captaincy by David Hockaday before being replaced in the role by Stephen Warnock.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my career,” he wrote in a heartfelt letter on Charlton’s website. "To stop something you love when you don’t physically have to.
“After speaking to a lot of people I trust in the game and the closest people to me, as well as a lot of thinking myself, I’ve made the decision to retire from football. People may question my decision to stop playing but, for me, I’ve given everything, put my body to the limit every day physically and feel I’ve achieved all I can so now it’s time for a new challenge.”
Read more here.
Prutton makes Leeds United Raphinha claim
Debate continues to rage on regarding Raphinha’s future at Elland Road. As the season drew to a close, it looked as though he would move to Barcelona but the ongoing financial issues at Camp Nou plunged their pursuit into doubt.
Other clubs are understood to be interested in the Brazil international, but David Prutton believes Leeds are still in a very strong position. He told the Yorkshire Evening Post : "He's Leeds United's asset and they've got to try and hold out for the most. Sod Barcelona, just because they can't pay the going rate.
“Let's retain judgment until anything starts to gain any form of traction. But I think they've absolutely got to make sure that they maximize what they get for him. He's their asset and he's become an international because he has played for Leeds United and done, at times, very, very well for them."
