Leeds United
SHOCKING! Robbie Fowler Says Leeds Have Done Something ‘Brutal’ this summer
Robbie Fowler says Leeds have done something ‘brutal’ this summer, 49ers are paying the price
It has already been a tumultuous summer window for Leeds United with so many players departing the club and only four coming in, and Robbie Fowler has commented on one bit of business.
Leeds confirmed the arrival of Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United on Saturday night for £5m, Leeds addressing the lack of options the club have at right-back after many Elland Road exits this summer.
It comes after Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh, Rasmus Kristensen, Jamie Shackleton and Connor Roberts have all left Daniel Farke’s side. Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns and Joe Rothwell have all signed for Leeds so far.
In terms of sales, the club have sold six players and the one that stands out is Archie Gray. His £40m move to Tottenham came largely because of the club needing a lump of cash for Profit & Sustainability reasons.
Fowler comments on ‘brutal’ sale Leeds sale of Archie Gray
Leeds even admitted in their statement following the sale of Gray that they were “heartbroken” to sell the Thorp Arch academy product, largely because of the family dynasty he leaves behind at Elland Road.
Of course, grandfather Frank, great uncle Eddie, father Andy and younger brother Harry have all pulled on the white of Leeds. Indeed, Harry Gray played in the club’s first friendly of the summer against Harrogate.
Speaking in his column with The Mirror (21/07, p73), former Leeds striker Fowler commented on the sale of Gray and the backlash received for doing so, saying it’s the “price you pay” for failure to get promoted.
“Sadly, for fans at Elland Road, that’s just the brutal reality of not being in the Premier League. If they’d gone back up I’m certain Gray may have stayed. The Gray family will probably have mixed emotions, too.
“Especially Leeds legend Eddie. But until Leeds are an established Premier League club again, losing players like Archie is the price you pay [for not being in the Premier League],” Fowler said about Gray.
Gray’s exit now has two silver linings in Leeds United duo
His departure meant Leeds could strike a deal for Rodon, with a quarter of the fee Tottenham paid going back to Spurs for the permanent signing of the Wales defender. A move that appeased angry supporters.
But after Friday night’s win over Harrogate, the inclusion of 15-year-old wonderkid Harry Gray has also helped Leeds fans rid their frustration at the sale of Archie to Spurs, with the youngster looking excellent.
He could be the next in line to shine for Leeds and follow the family dynasty. Josh Warrington recently told LeedsUnited.News that he hopes Leeds can get promoted and re-sign Gray for a club-record fee.
Leeds United are among the clubs interested in a talented winger from the Premier League but it could be that Southampton steal a march on The Whites, with a £7m bid.
Leeds announced their fourth signing of the summer on Saturday night in the form of right-back Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United, agreeing a £5m deal just before Leeds fly to Germany for a training camp.
He follows Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns and Joe Rothwell in joining Leeds, but there is plenty of work to be done in terms of incoming. Leeds are going to need some new additions out wide, with some set to go.
Jaidon Anthony has already left, leaving Leeds lighter out wide and Ian Poveda is now a free agent. It means Leeds are left with just Dan James, Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville as options out wide.
Leeds are interested in signing Crystal Palace winger
Gnonto and Summerville continue to be linked with the exit door at Elland Road, which would leave Leeds really lacking out wide. The return of Brenden Aaronson could allow Georginio Rutter to play out wide.
Leeds are aware they need wingers and one player the club are being linked with is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The 21-year-old is a target for The Whites on loan, a player branded “fantastic” by old boss Patrick Vieira.
A player who has only managed 10 games at senior level for Palace, but had a hand in 22 goals while on loan at Charlton. However, Leeds may find a loan is not good enough for the England U20 wide man.
Southampton plan £7m bid for Leeds target Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Southampton are splashing the cash ahead of a Premier League campaign after beating Leeds in the play-off final at Wembley, and they are interested in a deal to raid Palace for Rak-Sakyi this summer.
The Sun claim in today’s paper edition (21/07, p57) say that Southampton are making a ‘surprise’ £7m bid for Rak-Sakyi. Palace, deemed as ‘shocked’ by Southampton’s interest, had planned to send him on loan.
However, they would demand more than £7m to sign the winger but the lure of cash and for Rak-Sakyi, Premier League football may sway a transfer with Hull City also interested in signing the winger.
Leeds United announced their fourth summer signing on Saturday evening in the form of Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United on a four-year deal, and Leeds have teased Bogle’s old side.
Leeds have addressed their lack of options on the right side of the defence by bringing in 23-year-old Bogle, who was a bright light in Sheffield United’s poor Premier League campaign during 2023-24.
While The Blades were relegated, Bogle still managed to score three league goals against Man City, Chelsea and Man United. His attacking quality is clear, and Leeds have managed to nab his signature.
Despite entering the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United initially rejected two offers both worth £4m but structured differently. However, Leeds eventually settled on a £5m fee for Bogle.
Sheffield United attempt to appease fans over Bogle sale
A transfer that suits all parties. Bogle was not going to sign a new contract at Sheffield United, and the Blades needed to cash in in order to avoid losing him on a free, even if it means selling to a league rival.
Leeds have sorted their right-back issue after Connor Roberts, Archie Gray, Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton have all left Elland Road this summer, though the club could still do with another body.
They’ve got Bogle for £5m, perhaps a smaller fee than it would have been had Bogle had longer left on his deal. Sheffield United tried to appease fans by telling them on X, Leeds have paid a “significant” fee.
