Sunday Morning Hot Links
Took a day off yesterday. For the 4-6 of you that regularly stop by here, it’s going to happen from time to time.
Leeds United
We have the first official signing of the (second) Transfer Window! Effective July 1, Leeds United will bring in 26-year old VfL Wolfsburg striker Lukas Nmecha on a two-year deal. Nmecha has only played in 38 Bundesliga matches for Wolfsburg in the past three seasons, providing eight goals for the firmly-mid-table club, though he can play either up top or on the wing. His three-year deal with Wolfsburg runs out this month, so there was no transfer fee involved. Leeds are reportedly interested in signing at least one more goal-scoring option this summer.
Now knowing Udinese’s valuation for center defender Jaka Bilol, Leeds United are closing in on agreeing to personal terms with the player.
Tottenham have completed the permanent transfer of Mathys Tel, which means that Championship hero Manor Solomon, while expensive, may be available to Leeds, after all, though Solomon (and Leeds) may prefer to wait until closer to the end of the Transfer Window.
Elsewhere
Manchester City’s new signing Rayan Cherki is ready to “kill” Manchester United for knocking Lyon out of the Europa League last season.
Arsenal are preparing another bid (or not)for Victor Gyokeres, and Gyokeres has apparently officially ruled out moving to Manchester United. And could Arsenal make a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins?
Crystal Palace just may get to play in Europe, after all!
Meet Auckland City FC, the Club World Cup’s only amateur team.
USMNT/AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic offered to play in the two USMNT friendlies this month, but not in the Gold Cup itself. To which Mauricio Pochettino said that players “can’t dictate” what games they play in and which ones they skip.
The NWSL’s Angel City FC wore jerseys that said “Immigrant City” in a middle finger to Teh Fedz.
Two Benfica supporters coming to the US for the Club World Cup are out almost $1000 after being detained and denied entry.
What To Watch: Sunday
2pm (Central): Paris St. Germain vs Atletico Madrid - Club World Cup. TNT/truTV/DAZN.
3pm: Portland Thorns vs Washington Spirit - NWSL. CBS/Paramount+.
5pm: USMNT vs Trinidad & Tobago - Gold Cup. Fox Sports.
5pm: Palmeiras vs Porto - Club World Cup. DAZN.
7:15pm: Haiti vs Saudi Arabia - Gold Cup. FS1.
9pm: Botafogo vs Seattle - Club World Cup. DAZN.
10pm: Costa Rica vs Suriname - Gold Cup. FS1.