Leeds United are gearing up for the 2024/25 season with their first pre-season match against League Two side Harrogate Town on Friday. After initial fitness tests and training at Thorp Arch, the team will head to a training camp in Germany and then host Valencia at Elland Road. They will begin their Championship campaign at home against newly-promoted Portsmouth.
The transfer market activity is heating up, with Joe Rothwell joining as the third new arrival after Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns. Despite Rothwell’s season-long loan from Bournemouth being confirmed, there’s still work to be done in West Yorkshire as Leeds manage further ins and outs before the August 30 deadline.
The Yorkshire Evening Post (YEP) reports that Rothwell’s arrival has not impacted plans to keep midfielder Glen Kamara, despite ongoing interest from Stade Rennais in France. Leeds Live indicates that Rothwell is set to compete with Kamara for a central midfield spot rather than replace him. Rennes, who tried to sign Kamara from Rangers last year, may attempt to lure him away from Elland Road this summer. However, Leeds see Kamara as part of their plans for the upcoming season and have no intention of selling him unless it’s on their terms. Kamara, contracted until 2027, remains integral to the squad, and there has been no contact from Rennes.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has described their summer recruitment as ‘difficult’ as they prepare for their Championship return. Competing with clubs like Leeds for signings has proven challenging. Pompey, after 12 years out of the second tier, face a tough task strengthening their squad before their first game at Elland Road on August 10. Mousinho noted that while they are well-backed financially, the competition for players has intensified as they now contend with former Premier League clubs.
“When recruiting for the Championship, it’s more difficult,” Mousinho told The News. “We’ve stepped up and are competing with many former Premier League clubs. The finances change, but we’re well-supported, which is a positive. Last year, in League One, we often appeared the biggest club in terms of size and history. Now, competing in the Championship, players have more options, and we find ourselves up against clubs like Leeds and West Brom. It’s a very different challenge.”
