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?
Guinness and the Six Nations has got to be a match made in heaven.
With the 2026 Six Nations tournament kicking off last Friday Thursday, 5 February – it's safe to say rugby fans across Leeds will be set on finding the perfect place to watch the upcoming matches.
However, we can’t think of many other places offering bottomless black gold in town, let alone anywhere else in Leeds.
So, if you were still unsure of where to watch this year’s tournament, the Social Pub and Kitchen group might have just made the decision for you…
That’s right, this widespread British chain is looking to keep the pints flowing throughout the duration of this year’s competition, thanks to a twist on their standard bottomless brunch format.
Image: Social Pub and Kitchen Group
Running for every single televised meeting between the much-loved half dozen rugby union teams, all 103 of their locations across the country will be providing this impressive offer on pints.
Here in Leeds, the Dry Dock, The Library and the Hyde Park Hotel will be offering the deal.
As well as these nearby venues, there are obviously plenty more around Yorkshire for those slightly further afield.
With a new food menu too, which features several honey-based dishes like the sweet sriracha pizza, chipotle loaded fries, as well as honey chipotle chicken wings, the matchday scran is on point.
So too are the drinks, clearly, and if any of your party wants to stray away from the bottomless Guinness, there are series of special Six Nations-themed cocktails, such as the ‘Midnight in Dublin’, a ‘Peach on the Pitch’ margarita, Baby Velvet, and the bold ‘G-Bomb’.
Yes, we suspect it is as boozy as it sounds.
Running throughout February and March whilst the games are on, we imagine plenty of people will be making at least one Social Pub and Kitchen site their chosen destination for watching all the action.
Even if you happen to be reading this outside of Leeds, you can find your nearest Social Pub and Kitchen and book your table right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity picture (supplied)
Sport
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Clementine Hall
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.”
Danny Jones -
2nd July 2024 
