Thursday Morning Hot Links
England v Spain! A rematch of the Women’s World Cup Final in 2023 and, also, a rematch to settle once and for all the events of 1588.
Leeds United
Leeds United are “close” to a deal for Lyon 27-year old 6’5” GK1 Lucas Perri. His FBRef Similar Players over the last year include Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in two of the top three. Transferring from Botafogo to Lyon last season, Perri kept 10 clean sheets in 33 starts, with 11 goals against in his first five matches with Lyon, and then allowing just 33 goals over his next 28 starts. Six of his 44 goals allowed were against Paris St. Germain, and there were a further seven goals allowed over the two legs of the Europa League Semifinals against Manchester United.
Meanwhile Sky Sports has confirmed the £15.6 million deal, noting that personal financial details have already been worked out with Perri. He’ll join the club in Germany for a medical and to officially sign. Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca called Perri “the best goalkeeper in the world,” which is probably not true, but still…
James Marshment says that Leeds have rejected a new offer from Real Betis for Mateo Joseph, preferring either a loan or a sale in the £15-£20 million range that Betis has not met.
Brenden Aaronson needs to absorb the pressure from Premier League defenders and make things happen in his second Premier League stint.
Opta: Promoted Teams Survival Guide - How Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland can stay up.
Elsewhere
Spain will be the favorites for Sunday’s Women’s Euros Final, but Germany gave England the blueprint on beating them.
Alexander Isak is not in the Newcastle pre-season tour squad as questions swirl around his home next season with reports that he wants to explore his options, and Liverpool are favorites to land him.
Manchester United have renewed talks with Aston Villa over Ollie Watkins.
Wolves have signed Fluminese’s Jhon Arias.
AC Milan have signed Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan.
Declan Rice is not happy with Arsenal fans who are critical of the club’s move for Noni Madueke.
Real Madrid are prepared to make a massive bid for Manchester City’s Rodri.
If Juventus pull off a deal for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Atalanta will turn to Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min is expected to leave the club amid interest from MLS’ LAFC and Saudi Arabia.
West Ham might be looking for a new home in the middle of the season.
Manchester United are considering going Full American and offering Personal Seat Licenses, and fans are PISSED.
What To Watch: Thursday
There are a billion Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifying matches on today, but no one is showing them.
Read a damn book.