The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 16th June) Lukas Nmecha signs on a free transfer
Good Morning. It's Monday 16th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Lukas Nmecha signs on a free transfer
Leeds United have boosted their attacking options with the acquisition of versatile forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer. The deal will be finalised on July 1st, following the expiration of his contract with German club Wolfsburg.
The 26-year-old is believed to have agreed to a two-year contract with the Yorkshire club. Nmecha, a former Germany international, brings a wealth of experience to Elland Road, having honed his skills through various leagues and clubs, and can play on either wing, or lead the line.
A product of Manchester City's academy, alongside his brother Felix who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, Nmecha's path to the first team at City was limited. He made only a handful of substitute appearances and spent time on loan at Preston North End, Wolfsburg, Middlesbrough, and Anderlecht.
It was during his loan spell at Anderlecht, under the management of Vincent Kompany, that Nmecha truly flourished, scoring an impressive 21 goals in a single season. This success led to a permanent move back to Wolfsburg in 2021.
While the signing of Nmecha provides depth to Leeds' attacking line, some fans might view it as an uninspiring move. A more exciting possibility, though perhaps far-fetched, would be if this transfer facilitated a move for his brother, Felix, to Elland Road as well. Some may remember how Leeds previously signed the Wallace brothers, or Lucas Radebe, to keep Phil Masinga from getting homesick!
The relatively short, two-year contract suggests that Nmecha is likely being brought in to fill a stop gap within the squad. Whether he can recapture the goal-scoring form he displayed at Anderlecht and become a valuable asset for Leeds remains to be seen.
Bijol expected to sign this week
Leeds are on the verge of securing the signature of Slovenian international centre-back Jaka Bijol, with personal terms reportedly agreed over the weekend and a transfer fee of around £18 million agreed with Udinese. This move signals a clear intent from the Whites to solidify their defensive line as they prepare for the rigours of the Premier League.
Bijol brings a wealth of experience to Elland Road, having amassed 63 caps for Slovenia and nearing 100 appearances for Udinese in Serie A. This top-flight experience will be invaluable as Leeds aim to avoid a fate similar to that of recently relegated clubs like Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town.
The 25-year-old typically operates in the central defensive role within Udinese's 3-5-2 formation. However, his being right-footed may spark questions about the future of Joe Rodon at the club, creating potential competition for places or even strategic shifts within the defensive setup. Interestingly, according to Whoscored, Bijol's versatility extends beyond defence, with the ability to play as a central midfielder or even as a striker, adding another layer of intrigue to his potential role at Leeds.
Last season, Bijol was a consistent presence for both club and country, making 50 appearances and achieving a solid Whoscored average rating of 6.78, reflecting his defensive qualities.
One area that may require attention from the Leeds coaching staff is Bijol's disciplinary record. Last season, he accumulated 15 yellow cards and one red card, suggesting a need for careful management to ensure his aggression is channeled effectively and avoids costly suspensions.
Overall, the potential arrival of Jaka Bijol represents a significant step towards strengthening the Leeds United squad. His experience, versatility, and physical presence could prove crucial in their quest to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
Are agents playing games with Max Aarons rumour
Leeds United fans could be forgiven for experiencing a sense of déjà vu with the resurgence of links to Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons. The 25-year-old is reportedly on the Whites' radar again, with a potential £12 million move being touted. This transfer saga, however, comes with a hefty dose of skepticism, given Aarons' past history with the club.
Two years ago, Aarons was seemingly on the cusp of becoming a Leeds player, even undergoing a medical at Thorp Arch. However, in a move that left a sour taste for many associated with the club, he famously abandoned the deal at the last minute, opting instead for a move to Bournemouth. While ambition is admirable, the manner of his departure felt like a snub, and the subsequent events raise questions about the reported renewed interest.
Aarons' time on the South coast has hardly been a resounding success. He struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, eventually falling down the pecking order. A loan spell to Valencia in January 2025 offered a chance for a fresh start, but he managed just a single start for the La Liga side, further fueling doubts about his current form and suitability for the Championship.
Now, the rumor mill is churning with reports of Leeds United's renewed interest, this time at a price tag of £12 million – a staggering £5 million more than what Bournemouth initially paid for him. This is where the narrative starts to unravel. Why would Leeds, a club aiming for promotion and known for shrewd business, be willing to pay a premium for a player who previously rejected them, hasn't lived up to expectations, and lacks game time?
Is there genuine interest from Leeds, or is his agent maneuvering to drive up Aarons' value? 'Roof' (his licenced agents) have three or four players on their books that Leeds are apparantly interested in, and rumour has it, were at Thorp Arch last week.