Leeds news round-up: Manor Solomon transfer bombshell, Serie A player wanted
Leeds United are continuing their preparations for next season’s Premier League after winning the Championship title.
The West Yorkshire giants celebrated their second-tier triumph with a parade last week, but could now have to foot the bill after damage was caused to the city centre.
Daniel Farke’s men consistently showed their class in the Championship, but are aware that the Premier League will provide a different challenge next term.
As Farke looks to bolster his Leeds squad ahead of a top-flight campaign, MOT Leeds News provides a round-up of all the latest happenings at Elland Road from Monday (12 May).
Sky Sports pundit wowed by ‘ridiculous’ Junior Firpo
Firpo’s future with the Whites remains in the balance, as he is yet to pen a new contract in West Yorkshire amid transfer interest from Barcelona.
| Junior Firpo stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 10 |
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has named the full-back in his Championship Team of the Season and said: “The big question regarding Firpo is what he can do in the Premier League.
“But at the Championship level, the goals and assists, he manages to find himself in ridiculous positions. More often than not, we’ve seen James whipping the ball into him in the box.”
Leeds make contact with Bundesliga manager
Farke’s position in the Leeds dugout has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, even though the 48-year-old has guided the Whites back to the Premier League.
Chairman Paraag Marathe responded by publicly backing the German, but it has now emerged that the Championship title winners have made contact with Mainz boss Bo Henriksen.
Henriksen has impressed with Mainz, who currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga with one top-flight game remaining.
Solomon doesn’t want permanent move to Elland Road
Manor Solomon has shone for Leeds, on loan from Tottenham in the Championship this term, notching 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 league appearances.
However, sources have exclusively informed MOT Leeds News that the Israel international is not keen on agreeing permanent terms at Elland Road.
French Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are reportedly in pole position to sign the 25-year-old, and are set to compete in next season’s Champions League.
Leeds eye Bologna star
As the Whites look to put the groundwork in place ahead of the summer transfer window, Leeds officials have been to Italy to watch Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi.
The defender has made 30 Serie A appearances this season, and could hope to play alongside the likes of Joe Rodon in Farke’s lineup next campaign.
Lucumi previously played for Belgian outfit Genk and has made 28 senior international appearances for Colombia.