Leeds Live

Reported Leeds United target Daizen Maeda has indicated he might remain at Celtic beyond this summer following a standout season with the Bhoys.

The 27-year-old forward has had an incredible run since transferring to Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022. He bagged a personal best of 33 goals across all competitions last term.

His prowess was further highlighted by his four-goal tally in the Champions League, the most for a Celtic player in the competition since the days of Joe Craig back in the 1977/78 season. He also cleaned up at Scotland's Player of the Year awards.

While such form has sparked transfer speculation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Mourinho's Fenerbahce noted as possible suitors along with links to Leeds, Liverpool, and West Ham, Maeda expressed contentment at the Scottish giants after an exemplary campaign.

As per his comments to the Japanese media, Maeda reflected: "I was in great form both personally and with the team. I'd like to keep it up next season.", reports the Daily Record.

He continued to express gratitude towards those who aided his success: "I'm who I am because of my team. I'd like to thank my teammates, and above all, my family for supporting me so far."

Maeda also reminisced about his career's evolution: "My career really took off here in Mito. When I first came to Mito, I thought, 'No one can run at all!".

The dynamic forward shed light on his strengths: "My forte is sprinting multiple times during a match and running for 90 minutes straight. I came to Mito and learned about not wanting to lose games."

Turkish media are abuzz with speculation that Fenerbahce is set to intensify their chase for Celtic's star player. Fotomac recently revealed an "optimistic" £8.4million bid is in the works for the sought-after Japanese talent.

Yet, Yeni Safak reports that the influential Mourinho is urging Fenerbahce's hierarchy to splash out on the player, branding him a "top target" and signalling they are "ready" to heed the iconic manager's advice.

Celtic are believed to be holding out for at least £25million for Maeda, aiming to break their transfer record sale for the second summer in a row, following Matt O'Riley's lucrative move to Brighton last year.

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In the days after the Leeds United parade, Daniel Farke and the new board sat down to discuss contract decisions.

The fruits of those talks were made public a few weeks later, with Josuha Guilavogui being released while Sam Byram and Junior Firpo entered renewal negotiations. James Debayo was also offered new terms.

Meanwhile, Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell returned to their parent clubs. It’s not certain whether intentions over either player were talked about during that Farke sit-down but it would have been surprising if there had not at least been a mere mention.

In truth, there is only so much to discuss. With any decision resting on the stance of the parent club, Leeds can do little more than outline whether they would like to keep the loanee if the circumstances are right.

Numerous factors come into play, including the player’s mindset, the price tag and wages. And it doesn’t help when the talent in question is unsure what lies ahead.

Manor Solomon was due to speak with his inner circle about the road ahead in the days after the parade, but a week later said he still had no idea what the summer holds. Marseille have ruled themselves out of a move, though that hardly makes the picture clearer.

Solomon was brought to Tottenham Hotspur by Ange Postecoglou, who could soon leave the club. A new manager would throw up different questions for Solomon to think through, though Champions League football is always a lure.

It has been noticeably quieter on the Joe Rothwell front. The midfielder has been enjoying his holidays with his family, having essentially spent a year away from them after moving to Leeds on his own. Farke waxed lyrical about Rothwell being a "baller" and how his touches in training were like “pure poetry”.

Yet he did admit there were elements of Rothwell's game he’d like to see him improve and was always hesitant to play him away from home, when Leeds were more likely to be on the back foot. He ended his loan spell without scoring too.

All of this means Farke looks less likely to repeat last year’s trick of acquiring a loan player permanently as his first signing, having done so with Joe Rodon in 2024. That was a slightly unique situation, with Tottenham softened by their wanting of Archie Gray.

In the end, the two players swapped clubs, albeit in separate deals and for different amounts. Rodon had said he “felt at home” at Leeds, making his decision a lot easier.

Solomon has declared that Leeds will “always be in his heart” which is a slightly different tone, although he has not ruled out a return. He told Leeds Live last month that Farke staying in situ would be a factor in considering a permanent move, if such an offer arrived.

His agent, Shlomy Ben Ezra, has admitted Solomon would prefer to stay in the Premier League too - but added that anything could still happen. Ambiguity may hang around for a while yet with June usually a month of groundwork before decisions are made in July.

Some deals could be done before then but with the new profitability and sustainability cycle not commencing until next month, and with many out on international duty in the interim, the odds lower. A lot can change in a month, true.

But as things stand, the chances of a repeat of last year and Tottenham's Solomon being a first signing of the summer - let alone one at all - look slim.

With Junior Firpo and Sam Byram still yet to agree deals that secure their futures at Leeds United, questions linger over Daniel Farke’s left-back options.

As things stand, Isaac Schmidt - who has left the door open for a summer exit amid limited game time - is the only other realistic option in the role, with Max Wober a mere fill-in option. Though, this will certainly not be the final scenario.

If Firpo is lured elsewhere - amid links with the likes of Real Betis, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid - it seems clear that United will hunt for a new first-choice pick. Byram has told Leeds that he wishes to stay at Elland Road, but he will not be a regular starter even if a renewal is agreed.

With Firpo out of contract, he would leave for nothing and Leeds would miss the chance to yield a fee for their defender of four years. With spending limits already tight, the club will be looking at the best cost-effective buys, and that includes scouring the free agent market.

A number of names have inevitably been linked with the Whites, with some more appealing than others. Tottenham Hotspur are the latest to confirm their released list, and they perhaps offer an option that Leeds would ponder over.

They could do a lot worse than former Real Madrid and Manchester United left-back Sergio Reguilon, who boasts international, European and Premier League experience. Of course, there is a reason why he has become a free agent, and it’s not because he’s got an array of clubs waiting to offer him a lucrative haven.

Reguilon made just four Premier League and two cup appearances last season having largely been frozen out of Ange Postecoglou’s squad. He played no part in the club’s Europa League triumph having been left off their UEFA roster, and just two of his six outings were starts.

So there is the obvious risk of rust and a lack of confidence to deal with. Yet it was only last season, with Manchester United, that he played Champions League football while playing in 27 Premier League games for both the Red Devils and second loan club Brentford.

A total of 81 Premier League outings is not a bad tally, even if this is over five seasons. The drawbacks are evident but then, he is a free agent. He could help Leeds address a potential shortfall while having no impact on spending, aside from wages.

A move for Reguilon depends on where left-back sits in the transfer priority list - which again rests on what happens with Byram and Firpo. After all, aside from wages, they too would cost nothing to keep on. Plus, the likes of the linked Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas might be affordable.

There are concerns over Firpo’s defensive abilities in a Premier League season where his attacking skills will not be utilised as much. Some argue it might be best to let him go to bring another solid option in.

Whether Reguilon is that replacement is up for debate, and his recent lack of game time makes it hard to judge where he is at currently. But, at the very least, Tottenham’s decision on Reguilon gives Leeds an option to consider.

Manor Solomon has shared on social media that he spent the weekend at a luxury villa in Cyprus amid speculation about the player's future.

After spending last season on loan at Leeds United, the winger will return to his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur, when pre-season starts. Solomon is still under contract at Spurs until the summer of 2028 after signing a five-year deal when joining from Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, the Israel international has played just six times for the North London club. That was mainly due to injuring the meniscus on his right knee mere months into his debut season.

After requiring two surgeries, Solomon returned in time for pre-season but fell out of favour before making to loan move to Leeds. ESPN now claims he is one of multiple Tottenham players who must find a new club.

"I didn't know too much about Manor, but my friend Larry Nance [Jr.], who is also a Leeds fan [and fellow investor], told me about him and said he would be a huge boost for us," McConnell said.

"Wow, how right he was. Manor had an amazing season. His [ Championship -winning] goal [against Plymouth Argyle] was fantastic; it was really fun to watch him throughout the season.

"Of course, I would like to see him stay at Leeds next season after everything he has done for the club. I don't make the decisions, but I really like Solomon as a player."

While awaiting those decisions about his future, Solomon shared a sunset photo on his Instagram story on Wednesday. "Thank you to our friends for the weekend 10/10," he captioned the image, punctuating it with a red heart emoji.

In the post, he tagged the luxury concierge company A Room Service and Villa Gremos. The latter is a holiday home rental in the Cypriot city of Limassol, which they describe as a "one-of-a-kind luxury villa with the most breathtaking view on the island".

Archie Gray has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ben Davies, the long-standing Tottenham defender who recently clinched his first trophy with the club. Having joined Spurs from Swansea City 11 years ago, the Welshman had several near misses in his quest for silverware, but it always seemed to slip through his fingers.

However, last Wednesday marked a turning point when Ange Postecoglou's squad triumphed over Manchester United in the Europa League final. Although Davies didn't play in the match, he was instrumental in Spurs' journey to Bilbao, aiding their progression through the league phase and knockout rounds.

Since Gray's transfer from Leeds United to N17 last summer, Tottenham defender Davies has played a significant role in his development.

The Davies family have also been pivotal in helping the young player adjust to his new environment, and Gray admits he "probably would have struggled a little bit" both on and off the pitch without his teammate's support.

"Ben deserves every moment of this and more," the teenager shared with SPURSPLAY following Tottenham's 4-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. "Him, his whole family, they're incredible people, not just him. His whole family has taken me under their wing. They've really helped me this year.", reports Football London.

The England Under-21 international said: "If he wasn't here, I probably would have struggled a little bit off the pitch, on the pitch. I can't say enough words about him. He's been here for me the whole year. I wouldn't have been able to do what I've been able to do so far this year without him."

Gray was full of praise for his team-mate, saying: "For him, this moment, he deserves it 10 times over. What a player. The things he's done for this club is incredible and he'll continue to do it as well. He's a great professional and a great guy as well."

Gray has had an impressive first season at Tottenham, making 46 appearances and winning the Europa League. Instead of keeping his winner's medal, he plans to leave it at his family home to inspire his younger brothers.

"I'm not sure. I think I might give it to my little brothers at home, so they can look up to it a little bit," he revealed. "Hopefully it will make them work a bit harder."

Gray is now looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season. "Yeah, it's incredible to say," he said.

"Like everyone, it's a childhood dream to play in the Champions League. Hopefully I can do that next year. I can't wait."

It remains unclear whether Postecoglou will still be in charge of Spurs come the start of the season. Tottenham's poor league form and their 17th-place finish had appeared to be leading Postecoglou towards the exit door until their historic trophy win.

When Gray was asked if Postecoglou should get a third season, the midfielder had no hesitation in responding: "Yes, definitely. It’s been a great season this year and it’s been a roller coaster of a season as well, not just at the end.

"We’ve obviously had some really tough times and we stuck together. He’s big on things like family and I think the main thing that helped us get to the final and win the final is our morals of what we’re like as a team. Like I said, family is our main thing. We believe in each other and it’s like brothers going out there on the pitch in the final and we just fought for each other."

Troy Parrott has pledged his future to AZ Alkmaar, despite reports linking him with a summer move to Leeds United. The forward has only been in the Netherlands for a year after arriving from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee believed to in the region of €7m.

Parrott has enjoyed a strong campaign with AZ, hitting 20 goals across all competitions to help the club qualify for next season's Europa Conference League. He featured in Sunday’s 3-2 win at home to FC Twente.

His eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed in England, with the Whites and Wolverhampton Wanderers said to be interested in signing the player. However, newspaper reports in the Netherlands suggest AZ are asking for a little over £25million for Parrott. The Republic of Ireland international has two years left to run on his deal with the Dutch outfit.

"Whatever happens, it’s not going to be my decision...if someone was to ask me right now, I would say I want to stay,” Parrott told the club’s TV channel after the Twente win. “I have had the best year of my life so far in football here, I have loved every second of it.

"The achievements of the group haven’t been what I wanted, given the positions we were in, but in terms of the team and the staff that I have come to know, I have loved every second of it. In my mind, I am here next season and ready to go again.”

Manor Solomon has reportedly approved of a potential move to Marseille during the summer transfer window. The French club are said to have sent scouts to Leeds United matches several times this season.

Their head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, also reputedly recommended the player to his club, giving his approval.

Talks with Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly not begun yet, but there are said to be discussions ongoing with the player's entourage regarding his financial demands.

Shlomy Ben Ezra (SBE) agency represents the Israel international, for whom Spurs reportedly could demand up to €2 0million (£17m). Sky Switzerland claims Solomon's entourage have confirmed an enquiry from Marseille, who they state has given the green light to such a move.

Solomon recently posted on Instagram: "I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart." "After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

"I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart. Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions!"

The team currently sitting second in Ligue 1, however, appears set to have such amounts to reinvest in their squad this summer.

They are said to be busy selling Luis Henrique to Champions League finalists Inter for between €25m (£21m) and €30m (£25m). Such a fee could cover Tottenham's demands for Solomon.

The French media outlet Jeunes Footeux now claims they would also prefer to part ways with Neal Maupay. Marseille are reputedly obligated to sign the striker from Everton for €4m (£3m) this summer as part of the loan deal they agreed last summer.

However, amid reported interest from several Premier League and Championship clubs, his future is said to lie elsewhere. Reports linking Maupay with Leeds emerged in the summer of 2022 before Everton paid Brighton a reported £15m for the player.

Leeds United have been handed a potential transfer blow after an update emerges about the future of one of their reported summer targets.

The Whites will be enjoying the next few months as they prepare for a return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's side secured automatic promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship title, and will now be looking ahead to the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the top flight.

A host of names have already been mentioned on the Leeds transfer rumour mill ahead of the summer window, which opens next month. One such player to be credited as a possible target for Leeds is Georgios Vagiannidis.

The Panathinaikos defender has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer as new sporting director Adam Underwood looks ahead to a busy first transfer window in the role.

However, a fresh report from Football Insider has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in signing Vagiannidis this summer.

It has been reported that Leeds will also face competition from Everton, Fulham and Sporting Lisbon for the right-back.

Spurs, it has been claimed, view Vagiannidis as a potential replacement for right-back Pedro Porro, who has been linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Reports earlier this month speculated that Leeds are willing to make a bid worth up to £8.5million to sign Vagiannidis, but that emerged before apparent interest from Tottemham emerged.

Vagiannidis, 23, has made 38 appearances for Panathinaikos this season, including seven in the UEFA Conference League.

The defender has also worn the captain's armband once this season, which came in Europe against Fiorentina in the last-16 stage of the competition.

Leeds United supporters took over the city centre on Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate Daniel Farke's side's promotion to the Premier League.

Despite being a memorable day for all Whites fans, there was a glaring question among them - what is going to happen with Manor Solomon. As the old adage goes: 'Never fall in love with a loan player.'

However, the 25-year-old endeared himself to the club with a brilliant campaign that saw 10 goals and 13 assists notched across the entirety of it. Of course, the Israelian will now be returning to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur and it remains to be seen what the future shall hold.

Here at Leeds Live we have rounded up what has been said by Solomon, as well as other parties, regarding the winger.

Solomon's transfer hint

An emotional Solomon was clearly blown away by the turnout for the champions' parade and addressing his transfer situation on Monday, the forward hinted at a decision being made sooner, rather than later. "To see them [Leeds' fans] celebrating like this, I don't know how many thousand, you can't count them," he told the crowd.

"It is incredible. I was expecting to see a lot of people, but not this many, it is great.

"What we have all done this season is amazing. Now we have to celebrate it.

"I've made some memories at Leeds United and they will always be in my heart. These fans deserve to be so happy.

"I've been focused on this season - in two or three days we will talk and see what is happening."

Tottenham decision

While Leeds have been flourishing with Solomon, Tottenham have been floundering in the Premier League and are holding on to the Europa League to save their campaign. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou did have the opportunity to recall the winger in January when injuries were mounting and form was subsiding.

However, his decision then perhaps hints that Solomon is not in his plans. "No," was the clear response from the Australian when asked if he would be recalling the winger.

TBR Football claims Tottenham want close to £20m for Solomon, but Leeds are hoping to get him for closer to £15m.

Solomon's summer admission

Speaking to Leeds Live prior to his heroics at Plymouth Argyle, Solomon admitted that his summer plans were firmly up in the air. "Honestly, I really don't know what's going to happen in the summer," he explained.

"I still have three years left on my contract with Tottenham, so at the moment we really don't know."

Leeds concern

While a return to first-team football at Tottenham seems unlikely to be in Solomon's future, this does not mean that Leeds are home and hosed when it comes to purchasing the winger. Team Football understands that Marseille are eyeing a move for Solomon this summer as they look to add strength in depth to their attack.

Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League, is thought to be keen on the 25-year-old to replace Luis Henrique who seems destined for Inter Milan. The report adds that the French club have held concrete negotiations with Solomon's entourage to try and get the deal done.

If this is the case, this would be a concern for United considering that Marseille look likely to be able to offer Solomon at least Conference League football next season.

Leeds United winger Manor Solomon has made his feelings clear on the Whites amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a permanent move away from parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

The Israel international has been a mainstay in Daniel Farke's starting XI since agreeing to a season-long loan during the summer transfer window.

Solomon scored 10 goals and set up a further 13 more for his Leeds teammates in 41 appearances this season, including the winner at Plymouth Argyle to win the title.

He's become a popular figure among the Whites' fanbase and the majority would love to see him return next season.

The 25-year-old is now set to return to north London with his future to be decided by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. The Whites have been touted as a possible permanent destination for the lively winger after winning promotion back to the Premier League.

Solomon was part of the Leeds United open top bus parade celebrating the team's success this season and opened up about his time at Elland Road.

He told supporters: "To see them [Leeds' fans] celebrating like this, I don't know how many thousand, you can't count them.

"It is incredible. I was expecting to see a lot of people, but not this many, it is great.

"What we have all done this season is amazing. Now we have to celebrate it.

"I've made some memories at Leeds United and they will always be in my heart. "These fans deserve to be so happy."

It's understood Solomon would be open to a move to Leeds this summer, though there will also be interest from other clubs in the Premier League after impressing in the second tier.

Solomon was quizzed about his future after Saturday's win at Plymouth and said "I've been focused on this season - in two or three days we will talk and see what is happening."

He's been full of praise for Farke recently, admitting in a recent interview with Leeds Live that the German was one of the reasons he moved to the club.

“Daniel was one of the decisions [sic] why I joined Leeds, so definitely it could be one of the reasons why I will join Leeds in the summer, why or not,” he said.

"We always had conversations and he wanted to help me to achieve my best. So I can say that he has a lot of credit for the season that I've had.”