Sport
Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan
Good business?
Leeds United have confirmed another January signing, bringing in Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Facundo Buonanotte on loan until the end of the season.
An exciting little deal that adds even further strength in depth to their attacking options.
The Argentinian attacking midfielder, who has often been deployed as a winger, has already shown plenty of early promise at his parent club, not to mention further impressing as a loanee at Leicester City during the 2024/25 season.
Buonanotte was loaned out to Chelsea last year, but only made a total of four appearances during the spell, and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign with Daniel Farke's Leeds.
Being unveiled at the Thorp Arch training centre on Thursday, 15 January, the 21-year-old forward is among what The Whites will hope is set to be fresh batch of signings this transfer window, with the team being linked with a number of names this winter.
One player who is set to arrive at Elland Road imminently is Leeds United fellow youth talent, Leonard Ngenge - a Nigerian defender who signed a pre-contract ahead of his 18th birthday.
Meanwhile, Buonanotte is set become just the fourth South American international to represent the Yorkshire club (bonus points if you can name the others).
Penning a short-term temporary contract, it is not thought that the deal for the Rosario Central academy product involves an option to buy.
Chelsea had actually hijacked his transfer back in the summer following an initial approach from Leeds, but has ultimately struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge in 25/26.
Looks like he's made a better decision this time around.
The Argentine prospect enjoyed the best term of his professional career with the Foxes, scoring half a dozen times and assisting three times in 35 appearances.
He will wear the number 40 shirt.
In case you haven't seen a showreel of finishes and assists before, you can see some Facundo Buonanotte highlights during his breakout period for Brighton HERE.
Happy with your newest recruit, Leeds fans, or do you still want some more names coming in before you're satisfied?
Read more:
Featured Images — Leeds United (via official website)
Sport
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:
Exciting times, right?
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.
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.”
‘Allez Tour de France!’
Read more: Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)
Sport
Leeds United given green light as Elland Road expansion is approved
Clementine Hall
It's the news all Leeds supporters have been hoping for as planning permission for the Elland Road stadium expansion has been approved.
The best part? It will make Elland Road stadium the seventh largest club stadium in the UK.
The application was put forward to Leeds City Council today (Thursday 8 January), where councillors voted 11 to 1 in favour of the redevelopment.
The application included a detailed plan for the West Stand, along with an outline for the North Stand for the evolution of Elland Road, taking the overall capacity to approximately 53,000 from 37,000.
The Kop and the West Stand will be partially demolished and expanded with The West Stand doubling in size with space for 17,750 fans, a sensory room and even a ‘museum’.
The plans also took into account not only greater general admission numbers but demands for hospitality facilities as well, with approximately 26k currently on the waiting list for a season ticket.
The expansion of the stadium is expected to generate a whopping 600,000 new visitors per year.
There's no exact timeframe for when it will be complete, but it is hoped that it will be complete before the Women's World Cup in 2035.
Concerns about travel, disruption for nearby residents and parking were voiced but council members were still strongly in favour of the planning application.
Announcing the news to X, Leeds United said: "Leeds United Football Club can today confirm that planning permission has been granted for the long-awaited expansion of Elland Road Stadium, a historic milestone for the club, its supporters and the city of Leeds"
This is brilliant news for the city and we can't wait to see the final product.
Read more: Adventurous people from Yorkshire needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Featured image - Leeds United
