Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Tuesday, 31 May 2022.
Greenwood backed
Noel Whelan has backed Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood to continue to be around the first team next season. Greenwood was handed a much bigger role following the appointment of Jesse Marsch as he made five appearances in the final two months of the season, including his first Premier League start on the final day at Brentford.
The 20-year-old registered two assists in that period and showed his versatility by playing in a deeper midfield role against the Bees. Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that while a loan could do him good, he is expecting him to be in and around the squad again next season.
He said: “I think Greenwood could benefit from a loan. However, I think Jesse Marsch has got a really good relationship with him, and we saw him being more and more involved at the end of the season. The trust was put in him on the final day, as well.
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“We don’t have an awfully big squad. I think he’ll be kept along with Gelhardt and the rest of these promising youngsters coming through. He’s a top talent and we can’t afford to lose him – even if it is just a loan.”
Aaronson on fans
New Leeds United signing Brenden Aaronson has revealed he has been watching the Whites for nearly half a year, in preparation for his recent move to the Premier League. The now ex-Red Bull Salzburg midfielder was a target for Leeds back in January, but the two parties could not come to an agreement over a fee with the former keen not to lose the 21-year-old at the start of 2022.
However, Leeds were determined to get their man this summer, signing Aaronson for £25m last week. The proposed January interest clearly left a mark on him too as Aaronson admitted to ESPN he had been watching the Whites for around half a year, with the 21-year-old hailing the passion of the Leeds United supporters.
“You can tell how passionate the fans are. I mean, from watching them for about half a year now, you can hear the fans echo in the stadium. You know how football is a way of culture there. It’s huge for them. I talked to Jesse a little bit about it.”
Read more here.
Man City chairman
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has re-affirmed the Premier League champions will strengthen their squad for next season. Pep Guardiola's side won the Premier League title on the final day of the season with a 3-2 come from behind win over Aston Villa and have already strengthened their forward line for next year with the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
However, they also bid farewell to Fernandinho, which leaves them needing to replace the Brazilian midfielder this summer. Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips has been earmarked as just one of the players City are keen on signing this summer.
"I can confirm that there will be more players coming in. We are looking to strengthen areas we need to strengthen. Every season some players leave and we have to refresh. We will be doing a couple more. We will try to go as fast as we can but it is not always entirely in our control."
Read more here.
