Transfers, training camp fury, £40m deal – Everything that happened at Leeds United this summer

It’s never dull at Leeds United, is it? A lot has happened at Elland Road since the Whites were beaten by Southampton in the Championship play-off final on 26 May.

It’s been a huge summer at Elland Road. Many fringe players have left the West Yorkshire outfit.

Manager Daniel Farke has signed a ‘new’ player so far. More signings are expected before the Whites’ pre-season opener with League Two Harrogate Town a week on Friday.

Read more: Leeds United given green light for next Daniel Farke transfer as player drops future hint

It has been suggested that Farke wants to sign a new right-back, central midfielder and striker ahead of the big kick-off. Despite the lack of income to date, there is no need to panic. The transfer window is open until Friday, August 30.

Here’s a handy rundown of everything that’s happened since the market reopened:

The departure of key personnel from the rear

Head of medical and performance Rob Price has left United to take up a similar position with newly promoted Championship side Derby County. Price has been with the Whites since 2018. It has been reported that Henry McStay, the club’s lead physio, has stepped in to fill the void left by Price.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Rob for his commitment and dedication to Leeds United, particularly during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in the 2019-20 season.

“We all have great respect and appreciation for Rob and are naturally disappointed to see him leave the club, but we wish him every success in the future.”

Exit Jack Harrison

The winger joined Everton on a season-long loan, although no option to buy was included as part of the deal. Harrison established himself as a first-team regular last year as the Toffees avoided the drop, making 29 Premier League appearances.

The former England Under-21 international is under contract at United until 2028. He first joined the club six years ago on loan from Manchester City. It was made a permanent switch in 2021.

The 27-year-old has made 190 league appearances for the Whites. A member of the squad that won Marcelo Bielsa’s 2020 promotion, Harrison was one of the senior players who left on loan last summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Preseason training camp update

United will head to Germany for a training camp and friendlies later this month – but supporters have not been traveling to watch the squad with police on leave after Euro 2024.

A club statement said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the club’s control, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors. We understand that supporters will be frustrated by this news as we are the same as a club.

“We explored all possible avenues, but it was not possible to overturn this decision. As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters who expect to see Leeds United in preseason training or matches, not to travel to Germany.”

Fans expressed their frustration with the situation and a lack of clarity about the reasons for the decision. A statement from the Leeds United Supporters Trust, released this week, said: “The Trust has now been in contact with numerous groups including the German Football League, the club’s travel company and we are still waiting to hear from the German FA.

“We have not yet been given an explicit reason why Leeds United fans cannot attend our matches in Germany. Through our conversations, post-Euro police holidays and the classification of games as “high risk” were alluded to. ” (due to the English/German rivalry) are reasons to prevent Leeds fans from attending. However, this does not prevent four other UK clubs from having traveling fans in attendance. How do you expect Leeds United fans to interpret this decision?

“We continue to push LUFC to work with the authorities to get at least some answers. If this decision is not overturned, we expect at least some form of broadcast through the club’s official channels. The lack of proactive engagement with fans from the relevant authorities is frankly insulting.”

Schedules and Carabao Cup draw

United will begin their 2024-25 Championship season against League One champions Portsmouth. Pompey will visit Elland Road on August 10 at 12.30pm. The first away game sees Carlos Corberan’s side from West Bromwich Albion.

Meanwhile, the Whites will entertain Middlesbrough in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The game, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, will take place at Elland Road on Wednesday 14 August from 8pm.

Exodus of players

Sonny Perkins (loan), Marc Roca (permanent), Archie Gray (permanent), Darko Gyabi (loan) Jamie Shackleton (permanent) and Sam Greenwood (loan). Is United over there? Not.

Charlie Cresswell and Kristoffer Klaesson look set to join Toulouse and Rakow Czestochowa respectively. Real Betis remain hopeful of signing Diego Llorente despite having a bid rejected for the experienced defender.

First-teamers Ilan Meslier, Glen Kamara, Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville continue to be heavily linked with moves elsewhere. United recently rejected a £30m bid from Brighton for Rutter.

Offers Gray and Rodon

The wonder boy was in a £40m business. The Whites were left “heartbroken” after selling once-in-a-generation talent Gray to Tottenham after the Premier League club triggered a buy-out clause in his contract. Spurs swooped in to sign the prodigiously talented 18-year-old following Brentford’s failure to meet the structure of a deal United wanted.

A United statement said: “While we understand that supporters will be extremely disappointed to lose such home-grown talent and a household name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance of competing for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build. a competitive team within the league’s financial control regulations.”

Defender Joe Rodon has arrived from Tottenham in a separate deal believed to be worth around £10million. Rodon played on loan at United last season.

Home kit revealed

United have unveiled their new home shirt ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season. It is the first shirt sponsored by the club’s new minority shareholder, Red Bull.

BOXT, the shirt sponsor from last season, has become the club’s official sponsor. A statement from United said: “The iconic white shirt features three blue stripes on the shoulders, with matching panels that continue seamlessly onto the shorts. The home kit is completed with white and blue socks emblazoned with the LUFC script, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

“The shirt also features a signature Yorkshire Rose on the back which pays tribute to the history of the club and the city.”

United are yet to release the replacement away strip and third kit.