Leeds United kicked off the pre-season in Stockholm as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United. Saturday ended up seeing a mix of news surrounding the club.
Daniel Farke decided to hand Jack Harrison as start in their first game of the pre-season. Harrison has yet to decide his future at the club. New faces like Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson impressed, while Jayden Bogle put on a show for the fans.
The result was very early in the season, but it has shown that the team can cause problems to Premier League opposition.
QUIZ: Can you name the season these 10 Leeds United shirts are from?
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Leeds United close in on star midfielder
After snapping up Sean Longstaff, Leeds have set their sights on Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.
Last week saw the Whites make direct contact with the Bundesliga club over a move. A deal was agreed over the weekend, and just a few final touches remain to make the deal a permanent one. Stach is expected to arrive in West Yorkshire for a medical.
Eddie Howe makes Sean Longstaff admission
Credit: Imago
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits that he never wanted Sean Longstaff to leave this summer. He blames the midfielder’s exit on some external factors, including PSR.
“Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,” Howe told The Chronicle. “But as we know, and I have said many times, finances, PSR, long-term planning mean that sometimes these decisions have to be taken. Sean is a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch.
“He did a great job and tactically understood everything that we needed him to do. Days like Celtic, when you are putting two XIs out, you really see his absence highlighted. He goes with our best wishes and he’s been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.”
Longstaff will be a valuable piece to the team
The value of the former Newcastle midfielder lies in how he reads the game. Sean Longstaff is not the greatest on the ball, but his off the ball movement is very intelligent – he can find spaces in midfield. Defensively, he can also hold his own and is very good at winning duels.
Daniel Farke will no doubt have a huge role for him in the team, looking at how Leeds set up, he could thrive next season.
