A round-up of this morning's Leeds United headlines on Monday, July 25.
Club Brugge reveal Noa Lang 'asking price'
Fabrizio Romano claims Club Brugge have set an asking price in the region of €20-25million for former Ajax winger Noa Lang. Leeds United have been long-term admirers of the Dutch international and have been one of the sides linked with a move for 23-year-old this summer.
Romano tweeted: "Noa Lang has good chances to leave Club Brugge this summer. Things are now moving with a host of top league clubs interested in signing him, with potential price tag around €20/25m. #transfersKey movements soon - Noa Lang, now building his ‘own team’ of representatives."
Leeds United can use Liverpool inspiration to fix major pre-season problem
Leeds United’s pre-season tour of Australia presented plenty of positives for Whites boss Jesse Marsch. His new arrivals have all bedded in to the squad, and his system, well - especially the trio that played under him previously - and patterns are starting to emerge that prove his philosophy is being implemented effectively.
Granted, the sharpness to perfect that final touch in a high-speed attack was missing, but the abundance of third-man runs and punchy, line-breaking passes was evidence that the players are becoming accustomed to the American’s style. Similarly, the coordination of Marsch’s aggressive pressing is improving and the presence of Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson has sped up that process.
But there was one glaring problem defensively for Leeds throughout all three of their games, as their high-line was constantly exposed by long balls in behind and pacey runs. Over-committing in attack was the reason for Jean Phillipe Mateta’s equaliser for Crystal Palace, and a high-line against Aston Villa saw Ollie Watkins bear down on goal from 40-yards with not a Leeds player in sight.
Leeds United missed £50million trick as search for new full-back continues
Left-back has been a perennial problem for Leeds United since Charlie Taylor’s departure for Burnley in 2017. Since then, a host of players have come and gone without making the spot their own, and it has been no different since the Whites were promoted to the Premier League.
Ezgjan Alioski provided a competent stand-in during the club’s first season back in the top-flight, playing 36 of the 38 league games, racking up two goals and three assists. But with a ninth-placed finish under their belts and the television revenue that came with it, Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa had to go into the summer of 2021 with a specialist left-back as a priority.
And they did, signing Junior Firpo for £13million at the start of July. The defender had spent two seasons at Barcelona but made just 24 league appearances as he failed to displace the ever-dependable Jordi Alba.
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‘Ballon d’Or clause’ - Leeds United supporters react after Raphinha wondergoal vs Real Madrid
Jesse Marsch's encouraging message to Leeds United supporters as pre-season tour of Australia ends
Turkish giants Besiktas 'offered' former Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski
AC Milan’s Sven Botman hesitation proves Leeds United right to keep Charles De Ketelaere door open
Inside Jamie Shackleton's Leeds United exit talks with Jesse Marsch and what his future holds
