Tuesday Morning Hot Links
The 1st Transfer Window closes today, the girls are fighting in the USMNT, and the world is burning down. Let’s get to it!
Leeds United
Yorkshire Evening Post: Why Leeds are willing to spend £22 million on Habib Diarra this summer. Here’s the thing: they’re willing to spend that amount because that’s what he would cost. You can’t get Raphinha for £17 million like you could 7-8 years ago (I mean, it’s possible that you can, but that requires a hell of a scouting department). The economics of the sport have changed. In 1998 I saw Cornershop open for Oasis in Houston for $20. If a concert ticket costs more than $20, it sure as hell needs to be better than Cornershop opening for Oasis in 1998. I don’t go to many concerts anymore.
LeedsLive: Diving into the metrics of what Jaka Bilol would bring Leeds United.
Mateo Joseph talked about the difficulty he faced with Leeds this past season and getting pipped by Joel Piroe.
Oft-injured Newcastle striker Callum Wilson turned down a new deal from the club.
Elsewhere
Landon Donovan took a shot at Christian Pulisic (among others) for skipping the Gold Cup. Pulisic’s dad got involved, because what’s the USMNT if it doesn’t involve Messy Dads? Donovan may not be the poster child for National Team Loyalty, but I can understand Pulisic’s stance. AC Milan played (not great!) a full season in Serie A but also had Champions League games this season. It’s a long season, and the USMNT are already in the 2026 World Cup as a host nation, so while the Gold Cup is a World Cup Tune-Up, it’s not as crucial in terms of gelling prior to next summer. But also, you know, it’s an incredible honor to represent your country.
ESPN: Is Mauricio Pochettino’s style too slow for the USMNT?
If Liverpool are able to get Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen may turn to out-of-favo(u)r Jack Grealish.
Are Arsenal in on Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho? And was their move for Benjamin Sesko hijacked by Al-Hilal? And how much over Martin Zubimendi’s release clause are Arsenal going to have to pay?
Manchester United could stand to benefit from Victor Osimhen’s desire to play in the Premier League.
Chelsea have apparently walked away from a deal to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Chelsea will just have to make do and figure it out with the five existing goalkeepers they currently have in their senior squad.
Nottingham Forest are asking UEFA for a little bit of clarity on whether or not they’ll replace Crystal Palace in the Europa League.
Big Ange might be headed back north to become Scotland’s Men’s National Team Manager.
CONCACAF rejected Greenland’s application for membership in the organization, because they are cowards.
What To Watch: Tuesday
1:45pm. International Friendly - England vs Senegal. Fubo.
7:00pm. International Friendly - USMNT vs Switzerland. TNT/HBO Max/Peacock.