Thursday Morning Hot Links
So the first thing that happened after I turned on Comments on this blog was that I spent an hour putting this post together, and then it didn’t save it, leaving me to start from scratch. These two things are related because I already regret turning on Comments. Thursday Morning Hot Links 2.0:
Leeds United
There’s a good interview with Leeds United/USMNT’s Brenden Aaronson in the Philly Inquirer today, in which he addresses helping the USMNT get over their Nations League face-plant, and
Why Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka was not in the squad for Japan against Australia in their World Cup Qualifier.
A report out of Africa says that Leeds United have “intensified talks” (amid Brighton interest among others) in Nigerian defender Christantus Uche and his £21 million release clause.
The 2025-26 Leeds United GK1 just may be a Gigi Buffon Fathead, as Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope would prefer to stay at Newcastle, even as Newcastle have made 22-year old Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford their top summer target.
Leeds United are one of many teams interested in Mainz 05 defender Anthony Caci.
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, on whom Leeds have apparently kept an eye on, is happy to stay at Celtic.
17-year old Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge was on Instagram in Leeds United training gear ahead of his pending transfer in August.
17-year old Leeds United Academy player Sam Chambers was named the club’s Scholar of the Year.
Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises named Russell Martin (not the Canadian former Dodgers catcher) manager of Rangers.
Elsewhere
Ronaldo scored the game-winner in the first UEFA Nations League Semi-Final as Portugal beat Germany for the first time since 2000 (which was no more than six years ago) 2-1.
Manchester United have had their opening bid for Bryan Mbuemo rejected by Brentford. The Times’ Alyson Rudd: Mbuemo can be United’s Mo Salah…if Ruben Amorim plays him in the right position.
Viktor Gyokeres is being courted by Arsenal and Manchester United, but may stay put because he and his family love living in Lisbon.
As Liverpool prepare to welcome in Florian Wirtz for an incredible amount of money, which of their current 10 forwards stay and who goes? Also Liverpool have told Barcelona that Luis Diaz is flat-out not for sale.
Two years ago Chelsea signed Mykhailo Mudryk for £89 million. In December he was suspended for doping. Now Chelsea have taken his #10 jersey and given it to Cole Palmer.
Australia likely qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 90th Minute goal against Japan.
Landon Donovan: You shouldn’t have to coach effort in the USMNT.
Finland’s Women’s National Team was without 23-year old Nanne Ruuskanen (one of their best defenders) against Serbia after their Team Manager accidentally put retired 51-year old Stina Ruuskanen on the team instead.
What To Watch: Thursday
2pm: France v. Spain in the other UEFA Nations League Semi-Final. FS1.
4:30pm: Wrexham v. CONCAFA SC in the 7v7 The Soccer Tournament, which has weird rules. ESPN+.