Former Sunderland midfielder makes daring Leeds United disclosure as Whites’ bid for Celtic midfielder is ‘confirmed’
The latest Leeds United news includes a bold promotion prediction from a former Sunderland player and the revelation of a ‘large bid’ for a Celtic midfielder.
Don Goodman has said that Leeds United striker Joel Piroe is ‘too good for the Championship’ and that he will be’really stunned’ if Daniel Farke’s team does not challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
After a poor start to the season, with only two points from their first three games, the Whites have struck a good run of form, with Saturday’s 3-0 home triumph against Watford taking them to six games unbeaten and a third consecutive clean sheet.
Farke’s men are now in the Championship play-off places ahead of Saturday’s visit to Southampton, who have struggled to adjust to life in the second tier following their own relegation from the Premier League.
Goodman applauded Farke’s approach through what could be considered a difficult first summer in charge at Elland Road, and feels the attacking danger he possesses within his team will see the Whites push for promotion over the second half of the season.
“Yes, I think so,” the former Wolves and Sunderland striker said when asked if he’d be shocked if Leeds didn’t challenge for promotion. “In those forward areas, we’re starting to see genuine Championship quality.”
“In Joel Piroe, we have quality that is probably too good for the Championship.” I’m pleased Georginio Rutter has regained his feet and confidence, and with (Wilfried) Gnonto and others behind him, their alternatives are excellent.
“Look, it was a really, really tense preseason with all the comings and goings, contract clauses, and who would be there when the transfer window closed – very, very difficult for Daniel Farke, and he kept his counsel.” I was really impressed with how he handled himself, and he backed himself knowing it was only a matter of time before everything clicked into gear.
“You look at it now, and you see a team that, again like Leicester, you’d be really shocked it if they’re not up there challenging for the top two, and at the absolute minimum, top six.”
The Whites made a ‘big bid’ for the highly rated Celtic star.
Leeds United made a “big bid” for Denmark Under-21 international Matt O’Riley during the summer transfer window, according to Celtic legend Peter Grant.
The former Fulham and Milton Keynes Dons midfielder joined the Scottish Premiership champions during the January 2022 transfer window and set the tone for an impressive stay with Celtic by marking his debut with a 2-1 away win at Hearts before grabbing his first goal for the club in a 3-2 win at Aberdeen just weeks later.
O’Riley has won the Premiership twice and also helped his team win the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup last season as part of a historic treble. Several teams were connected with approaches for the 22-year-old during the summer, and Grant, who spent 15 years with the Hoops and made over 360 appearances, has claimed Leeds were one probable suitor.
When asked about the future of O’Riley’s Celtic teammate Reo Hatate, he told Go Radio: “Just perform, and if you perform, take a leaf out of Matt O’Riley’s book, for example.”
“Everyone has been talking about him, and it appears that Leeds has made a bid for him.” This sort of thing. I believe they made a high bid for him. If that is the case, he has demonstrated why they made an offer for him. His performances have been outstanding.”
