Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Monday, 19 December 2022.
Firpo to Messi
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo has sent a message to his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi after he lifted the World Cup with Argentina on Sunday. Firpo played alongside Messi for two years at the Camp Nou prior to his move to Leeds in the summer of 2021.
The World Cup was the only honour that Messi had failed to win prior to yesterday's triumph, with Argentina prevailing on penalties after an incredible 3-3 draw. Writing on an Instagram story following Messi's win, Firpo wrote: “The best my eyes have ever seen. Football owes you. Congratulations Leo."
Perraud on Leeds interest
Southampton left-back Romain Perraud has revealed that negotiations with Leeds United suddenly 'came to a halt' before he arrived at St Mary's in 2021. Perraud was being chased by both Southampton and Leeds while playing for Stade Brest in Ligue 1 during the 2020-21 season.
READ MORE: Three striker alternatives Leeds United could turn to if they miss out on forward Matheus Cunha
The 25-year-old let his agent deal with the negotiations in order to focus on his football, but Perraud says Leeds opted to pull out, and instead signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona.
“In January-February 2021, I was approached by Leeds and Southampton,” Perraud told So Foot. “From then on, I let my agents take care of it. For my part, I try to focus on what I have to do with Brest. My first mission was to leave Stade Brestois in Ligue 1."
Read more here.
Cardiff embargo
Leeds United may not have a great FA Cup record in recent years, but can at least plan for their third-round trip to Cardiff City knowing there won't be any new faces lining up for the Championship club. It's going to be a case of what you see now, is what you'll get, after the club were blocked from signing any new players.
A Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling has upheld the decision regarding the payment to French club Nantes and a first instalment of money for the transfer of Emiliano Sala. The player tragically passed away in 2019 before playing for Cardiff, who have been in litigation surrounding the transfer and fee.
CAS's decision means Cardiff are banned from any transfer activity for three windows, although the club say they are in talks to resolve the situation.
Read more here.
READ NEXT
- Jesse Marsch praised for what he did after Leeds United's win over Real Sociedad
- Leeds United supporters have their say after 'amazing' Real Sociedad friendly win
- Jesse Marsch's Leeds United promise to critics to 'change perceptions' amid 'too positive' comments
- 'Tremendous' Pascal Struijk hailed as Leeds United defender's qualities highlighted
- ‘Surprised me’ - Luis Enrique highlights ‘exhausted’ Morocco star who is perfect for Leeds United
