The summer transfer business is well underway for Leeds United, as in the same breath as saying goodbye to rising star Archie Gray, the club has also confirmed the return of Joe Rodon on a permanent deal.
As Leeds United bid to climb back into the Premier League next year after falling short at the final hurdle this past season, it's no secret that the club needs investment.
That being said, bidding farewell to one of their breakout stars is not how most fans would have liked the new campaign to kick off but they have at least fully secured the services of last season's popular loan player, Joe Rodon.
Announcing the de facto swap deal plus cash on Tuesday, 2 July, the 26-year-old Welshman has now signed a four-year deal to remain at the heart of Leeds' defence.
However, as one comes in another must go, as the Whites unfortunately had to let 18-year-old Archie Gray go, who had emerged as one of the club's brightest youth prospects for a number of years last season.
Confessing that they greenlit the departure "with a heavy heart", the club said that it was nigh on impossible to avoid interest from top-flight clubs and despite a bid from Brentford being rejected, an offer from Tottenham Hotspur "met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt".
They went on to add: "Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.
The deal for the promising youngster, who played over 50 games for the Yorkshire club in his debut season, is said to be valued between £25-£30m - a fee which will help them comply with FFP and PSR after remaining in the Championship.
🎙️ “I’m really excited, it’s a massive Club and it’s an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
The significance of the outgoing is not lost on them, reiterating that "everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism."
Nevertheless, the fee is one which twinned with recent investment from Red Bull and multiple celebrities, could be massive for their overall title hopes as Daniel Farke looks to regenerate the side.
Gray, whose dad Andy and grandfather Frank, both played as Peacocks, joins Spurs on a statement six-year-deal. The England under-21 international will don the number 14.
What do you make of it then, Leeds fans? It was always going to be tough to hang on to such a great young player, but is keeping Rodon a good enough makeweight and who else should the club be going after?
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Danny Jones -
2nd July 2024 
