“Hamstrung” – Leeds United waiting for key PL decisions as transfer impasse continues – Journalist
A lot of Leeds United’s next pieces of transfer business are likely to be made to wait for Premier League clubs to decide which players are not part of the plans
Fans are rightly frustrated at the moment with the lack of action, or even noise, coming from Elland Road at the moment with regards to incoming signings.
The refusal to play has taken most of the attention, but Leeds’ business to rectify the wave of outgoings hasn’t been good enough as of yet.
Why are Leeds taking so long to bring in signings?
The bulk of what Leeds look to do from now on in terms of bringing in fresh faces might hinge on the outgoings that they can seal, with Tyler Adams and Willy Gnonto representing major income for the Whites.
However, another obstacle for Leeds is the uncertainty remaining for some of their potential signings at Premier League clubs.
With the season only just starting in the top flight, some players might not yet be free to leave their clubs, and LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross believes this is what is holding Leeds up.
Writing in a Q&A on the matter, Cross said:
“I also think they are hamstrung by waiting for some PL clubs to decided which players they want to make available in this market, which is traditionally later in the summer windows once their squads are finalised and the football underway.”
It makes sense that Leeds have been struggling to make signings because of the plans of other clubs, but that hasn’t been able to stop a lot of other clubs making the right moves.
This does seem like something of an excuse, because we’ve still been able to bring in three players from Premier League clubs that are obviously not part of the picture at their side.
More should be available and it does just seem like Leeds are taking far too long to get things done here.
Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I’ve seen it all at Elland Road.
Manchester United staff have been told to prepare for the potential return of Mason Greenwood to the club, talkSPORT understands.
United have concluded the fact-finding phase of their internal investigation into Greenwood after he was arrested in January 2022, and are expected to make a final decision on his future imminently.
Greenwood has not played for United since being charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
All charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year, and the club have since announced a statement on the matter.
In their first official comment on Greenwood since February, the club said: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.”
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
Ahead of United’s opening game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, some supporters expressed their thoughts on Greenwood.
One banner read: “Female Fans Demand No Greenwood Return – End Violence Against Women.”
Greenwood still has two years left on his contract with the club, and was earlier named on their retained list for the 2023/24 season.
