How Leeds could line up in Premier League after Will Ferrell investment with Phillips returning and cult hero’s son
LEEDS UNITED could be bolstered by a series of new signings if they get promoted and have Will Ferrell backing them.
Daniel Farke’s side are currently preparing to face Norwich in the Championship play-off semi-final after missing out on second place to Ipswich.
However, Leeds fans received a boost when The Sun revealed that Hollywood star Ferrell has bought a “large” stake in the club after falling in love with English football.
The film legend pumped a “large” stake into US owners 49ers Enterprises.
Sources close to the Anchorman actor say he is now a proud Leeds supporter after falling in love with English football and he cannot wait to cheer them on at Elland Road.
That has now got Leeds fans dreaming about what signings could be brought in to bolster the squad if they manage to secure a return to promised land at Wembley on Sunday 26 May.
We have already revealed how Leeds were plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road if they clinched an immediate top-flight return.
Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42m switch to Manchester City in 2022, a dream move that became a nightmare.
He spent 18 months on the bench before being loaned to West Ham in January, where he has endured some miserable displays.
Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.
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He is not the only former favourite that could return amid reports Barcelona “could sacrifice” Raphinha in order to bolster their transfer kitty.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a great two seasons at Elland Road from 2020 and his form led to an international call-up.
The winger has been in good form of late but he has been linked with an exit for months, and with new financial backing, that could see Leeds join the likes of Manchester United in the hunt for the Samba ace.
Meanwhile, The Shields Gazette has claimed that Leeds Farke’s men are keen on Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.
The 26-year-old has impressed for the Magpies, but any money made from the academy graduate’s sale would go towards new recruits.
The Yorkshire Evening Post also threw several names into the mix for potential new recruits – and these ones would not cost a thing.
Leeds allegedly failed with a loan swoop for West Ham left-back Ben Johnson, 24.
He is believed to have snubbed an extension at the London Stadium and the Elland Road outfit could launch another move when he becomes a free agent in June.
The 38-year-old James Milner came through the Leeds academy and made his first-team debut for his hometown club in 2002.
He has since gone on to enjoy a brilliant career elsewhere but he is coming to the end of his one-year contract at Brighton.
That means that a potential return to his hometown team could be on the cards.
Another hometown boy whose name has been mentioned is Oli McBurnie.
The big striker has scored six times for relegated Sheffield United and will be a free agent next month.
He was previously at Leeds as a schoolboy, and he may jump at the chance to come back and try to keep them in the Premier League.
Another player could be Liam Delap – the son of Premier League cult icon Roy Delap.
Man City will sell striker Delap to the highest bidder.
Delap, 21, has been on loan at Hull after stints at Stoke and Preston and is clearly unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad any time in the near future.
City will want around £10m for the England Under-21 forward and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.
Can you name the famous fathers?
- Our dad’s a Man Utd legend – now we run our own gym
- My dad is an Arsenal Invincible – and I played under him
- Our dad is Man Utd Treble winner – now we’re following in his footsteps
- My dad is a legendary manager – and I even dated one of his players
- Our dad won it all for Chelsea – now we’re starring for our country