Thursday Morning Hot Links
Absolutely devastating news out of northwest Spain this morning as 28-year old Liverpool/Portugal forward/midfielder Diogo Jota was killed in a car wreck along with his brother Andre Silva. Jota married his longtime partner, with whom he had three children, less than two weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, fans, and teammates.
Leeds United
Seems kind of silly to be doing this, to be honest.
Leeds United issued a statement mourning the loss of Jota, making sure to note how many times he absolutely punished Leeds United in his career, both with Wolves and with Liverpool.
Daniel James has signed a new four-year deal to remain with Leeds United through the 2029 season. James has contributed 29 goals and 20 assists in four seasons with Leeds United, playing a career-high 2,609 minutes in the 2024-25 season.
Leeds United join Everton, Bournemouth, and Marseille in making an overture towards Juventus in signing USMNT’s Timothy Weah.
James Marshment says that Leeds are interested in literal giant (6’8”) Torino GK Vanja Milinković-Savić as well as Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer, who wants to play in the Premier League.
Nice (as in the French city, not the sex number) goalkeeper and one-time Leeds United rumored target Marcin Bulka has elected to go to Saudi Arabian club Neom rather than Sunderland.
Werder Bremen are quite interested in out-of-favo(u)r Leeds United defender Max Wober, who made just two starts for Leeds last season and have already brought in Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw…who play his position.
Was Leeds’ 2025-26 home jersey leaked?
Elsewhere
How hard-working, technical Jota rose to become Jurgen Klopp’s “perfect signing.”
The USMNT advanced to the Gold Cup Final against Mexico on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Guatemala. Diego Luna had both goals, and his star is on the rise.
Mauricio Pochettino is bringing fight and focus back to the USMNT.
Canada’s 3-0 loss to the USWNT was “inexcusable,” according to Canada head coach Casey Stoney.
Arsenal “have been encouraged” to go after Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who is not guaranteed a starting spot at the Bernabeu.
Manchester United are making Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins “a priority.”
Everton are on the verge of signing Villareal striker Thierno Barry.
Opta: Do Chelsea’s recent signings actually make sense?
Olivier Giroud said the MLS’ playing style “didn’t suit” him.
As the Tour de France starts on Saturday, can anyone stop Tadej Pogacar?
What To Watch: Thursday
11am (Central): Women’s Euros: Belgium v Italy. FS1.
2pm: Women’s Euros: Spain v Portugal. Fox.