Category: Leeds

Shea Charles
Credit: Imago

Shea Charles has emerged as one of Leeds United’s priority targets this summer as they continue to push to sign the Southampton midfielder.

With Southampton getting booted out of the playoff final due to the ‘Spygate’ scandal, several players are expected to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window.

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Charles has a year left on his contract at Southampton, and Leeds believed the negotiations would not be complicated, given the Saints needed to sell him.

However, Southampton have so far stood firm on their valuation of the player and have already rejected multiple Leeds bids for him this summer.

Read More: Forget Shea Charles, Leeds United must sign this World Cup star with £17m release clause

Graham Smyth provides an update on the Shea Charles situation

Southampton want a deal worth around £30m before agreeing to sell Shea Charles, and have so far decided against lowering their financial demands.

Leeds have already seen at least two offers for the midfielder rejected, with Southampton maintaining that the Whites’ most recent bid fell short of the widely reported £23m figure.

The Whites hope to find a compromise in talks and negotiate down the fee, as they do not want to pay £30m for a player who has a year left on his contract.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has revealed that talks between Leeds and Southampton over Charles’ proposed transfer to Elland Road are still ongoing.

He claimed that Leeds want to continue the negotiations away from the public eye and are not interested in providing constant updates on their pursuit of the player.

The Whites remain confident of securing an agreement, as it doesn’t appear that other clubs are currently in active negotiations to sign Charles.

Charles wants the move to Elland Road, and is waiting for the two clubs to negotiate a fee before he can travel to Leeds and complete the transfer.

Leeds are working in an inflated market for midfielders

Southampton’s firm stance over Shea Charles comes as little surprise given the current state of the transfer market and the growing interest in the midfielder from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Atalanta.

Although Charles has entered the final year of his contract, the Saints believe they are still in a strong position to demand a substantial fee for one of their most valuable assets.

The market has been driven up by several big-money deals this summer. West Ham received £85m from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes despite being relegated, while Spurs have also agreed a £100m deal for Sandro Tonali. Bournemouth are also said to be valuing Alex Scott at more than £80m.

Against that backdrop, Southampton see little reason to lower their asking price. With several clubs chasing Charles, they are prepared to hold out for the best possible offer before sanctioning a sale.

Leeds United remain determined to sign the Northern Ireland international, but they are equally aware of the need to avoid paying over the odds. The Whites are hoping further talks will lead to a compromise that brings Southampton’s demands closer to a figure they are prepared to pay.

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old was recently let go by Leeds United, making 205 appearances.However, he did not make a single appearance during the 25/26 season, failing to be third choice in the pecking order behind both Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow. Meslier made himself prominent at Leeds in 19/20, making his debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January 2020. He played the final eight games of the 19/20 season as Kiko Casilla was banned for racism towards Charlton forward Jonathan Leko. He would go on to be the first-choice keeper for five years, until a poor season in 2024/25 saw him dropped by Daniel Farke. Last season, he spent the majority of the season playing in the Premier League 2 with Leeds U21 .Meslier is the eighth goalkeeper to have been signed by Mikel Arteta during his seven-year spell at Arsenal. Role at ArsenalArsenal’s goalkeeper union, led by Iñaki Caña will be getting a new recruit alongside David Raya, and Kepa.(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Meslier is expected to be third choice as well when he arrives at the Premier League Champions, behind both Spaniards, David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, there are rumours that Kepa could leave Arsenal in this transfer window if the right offer comes up; he has a £5 million release clause in his contract, the same release clause that the Gunners activated a year ago. Setford loanEmbed from Getty ImagesOne positive of the move is that Meslier’s signing will allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan and get some crucial first-team football for his development. Setford signed from Ajax in the summer of 2024, and has made two appearances at the club. One in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End, and a cameo in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.He was seen in the squad for Mikel Arteta’s side during the majority of their title-winning season in 25/26.

Leeds United are in the market for a goalkeeper this summer amid the uncertainty around Karl Darlow’s future at Elland Road.

Darlow is no longer a Leeds player after his contract expired at the end of June. However, he has yet to sign a new contract with the Whites amid interest from Everton and Manchester United.

Most Read on The Leeds Press

Leeds have been working on signing a goalkeeper while waiting for the Welshman to make up his mind. However, they have suffered a blow in their pursuit of a new shot-stopper after Zion Suzuki turned down a move to Elland Road.

But the Whites are now being backed to sign another World Cup goalkeeper, Norway’s Orjan Nyland, whose heroics helped his team reach the quarter-finals.

Leeds tipped to sign Orjan Nyland

Erling Haaland scored two goals to help Norway beat Brazil in the last 16 clash on Sunday evening. However, Norway had to thank Orjan Nyland for keeping them in the game.

He saved Bruno Guimaraes’ penalty in the first half, and pulled off a couple of sensational saves in the second half to keep his team in the game.

Orjan Nyland to the rescue🧤

The Norway goalkeeper came up with key saves against Brazil in a standout performance. pic.twitter.com/eO13zkZaHR

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 5, 2026

Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has insisted that since Leeds need a new goalkeeper, they could do a lot worse than sign Nyland in the ongoing window.

With the Norway star available on a free transfer, he feels this is definitely a gamble worth taking for Leeds.

“Signing a new goalkeeper has been a big part of Leeds’ plans this summer”, Brown told Football Insider.

Leeds United have seen nine departures so far this summer and, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, are yet to announce a first signing, although a star is on his way.The club released their retained list on June 10, confirming eight exits and providing updates on three big question marks. A further high-profile departure has since taken the tally to nine.Illan Meslier left at the end of his contract.Pascal Struijk joined Brighton for a fee of eight million plus two million in potential add-ons.Facundo Buonanotte returned to parent club Brighton after his loan spell.Connor Douglas, Devon Brockie and Lewis Pirie also departed upon contract expiry.

John Francis discusses his route into law, the realities of the SQE and what drew him to Leeds
Leeds
“The volume and breadth of law that you have to study, and be prepared to apply, was greater than I had expected,” says John Francis, reflecting on his SQE experience. It’s an honest assessment of a process many aspiring solicitors will recognise as demanding from start to finish, and one that came at the end of a longer route into the profession than he first imagined.

We began by asking Francis about his career journey and what first drew him to law. Born in the UK and raised in Canada, he moved back in 2016 knowing he wanted to enter the legal profession. He went on to study law at the University of Sheffield, including a year in the US, graduating in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.
The route into commercial law was not immediate. Francis chose not to apply for vacation schemes during his final year, explaining that he “didn’t enjoy the prospect of everything being done virtually.” Instead, he stayed on full-time with a small charity in Sheffield where he had been working part-time, before moving into a role on a government-funded capital projects programme, supporting the construction of youth facilities across England. Alongside that, he kept applying for graduate recruitment schemes. An unsuccessful 2022 cycle was followed by a 2023 vacation scheme that didn’t convert into a training contract. It was only in 2024 that things clicked, with a vacation scheme and, ultimately, a training contract offer from Eversheds Sutherland. Since then, studying at The University of Law (ULaw), he has started a master’s, passed SQE1 in January, and is awaiting his SQE2 results ahead of a September start.
That persistence runs through his account of why law appealed in the first place. After speaking to lawyers in Canada from a young age, he knew he wanted to work in the legal field. Once back in the UK, the solicitor route in a commercial environment began to stand out because of the opportunity to advise businesses on practical challenges. Francis was also drawn to the profession’s competitive side. As one of five siblings, he tells us he was “always quite competitive”, while also valuing the law’s history and evolving nature, and the profession’s clear opportunities for development and progression.
Find out more about studying with The University of Law
On the SQE, Francis is clear about both the challenge and the attraction. For someone who had always wanted to be a commercial lawyer, revisiting areas such as wills, trusts, probate, and criminal law wasn’t necessarily what he had expected, and the sheer scope of what he had to cover caught him off guard. Even so, he stresses that the intensity wasn’t a total surprise. What he has enjoyed most is how practical the course feels. “It is not surface-level academic law like at the undergraduate level; it is very practical,” Francis explains, pointing to the constant focus on clients and ethics as what makes the work feel more real than undergraduate legal study.
The toughest part, he says, was the gap between SQE1 and SQE2. Sitting the first exam in January and then moving quickly into practical skills assessments in late April and early May made for a demanding turnaround. So how did he manage it? “Fundamentally, it’s about being organised and motivated,” he tells Legal Cheek Careers. Having a training contract and a clear September deadline helped, as did being supported by Eversheds Sutherland. Beyond that, he stresses the importance of “recognising weaker areas early and giving those subjects more time.” Just as important was having others around him going through the same process. A friend who will also be training at Eversheds Sutherland studied alongside him, and Francis is full of praise for “the value of leaning on colleagues when the workload begins to bite.”
Francis is equally positive about studying with ULaw. “Overall, it has been phenomenal and a really valuable experience,” he says. The SQE manuals and question banks were especially useful for SQE1 preparation, but it was the teaching faculty that stood out most, with workshop leaders he describes as “engaged, patient and always willing to follow up on questions.” His message to students considering ULaw is simple: make the most of those workshop sessions, because that’s where much of the real learning happens.
Find out more about studying with The University of Law
Legal careers can often feel overwhelmingly London-focused, so the conversation naturally turns to geography and Francis’s deliberate decision to pursue a training contract in Leeds. Having travelled to London for work, he knew it wasn’t where he wanted to live, and his undergraduate years in Sheffield had also reinforced a preference for the North. Leeds, he argues, offers a strong legal reputation outside London, growth across the legal, financial, and public sectors, and solid connections.
Francis was methodical about researching firms. “Researching firms is a numbers game, and you just have to spend the time doing it,” he says. For him, “growth potential and the opportunity for informal mentorship mattered most.” Firm websites could only take him so far, so open days, networking events, and assessment centres became crucial. He would often ask trainees and partners how they approached development and progression, paying attention not just to the substance of the answer but to the attitude behind it. That, he says, is where Eversheds Sutherland stood out, with people who “seemed genuinely invested in helping trainees get the most from their two-year training contract.”
His view on converting a vacation scheme is shaped by that same emphasis on people. Francis says there’s no single formula, because outcomes depend on firms, culture, and available places. Still, one theme stands out: “rapport.” Academic ability and motivation are assumed, but candidates also need to show they can speak to people, attend social events, and engage with genuine curiosity. “You need to cultivate a genuine sense of curiosity to develop relationships,” he says, adding that “so much of life in law comes down to relationship management and making clients feel comfortable.” These are skills, he suggests, “that can be built in all sorts of settings, not just legal ones.”
As for Eversheds Sutherland itself, what appealed most was “its focus on development opportunities and trainees’ long-term growth, alongside the breadth of work available at a large multinational firm.” In Leeds specifically, Francis highlights “the strength of the office’s construction and real estate offering.” Looking ahead, what excites him most is getting “stuck into four six-month seats across challenging, commercially relevant and varied areas of the law.”
Before we wrap up, I ask for the one piece of advice he would give students about to embark on the SQE or training contract applications. The answer goes back to the resilience that has defined his own route. “Don’t beat yourself up if you are not successful initially,” he says, stressing just how competitive the profession can be. More broadly: “My key piece of advice would be to get as much experience as possible, even if it is not legal experience.” Learning how to cooperate, build rapport, and identify informal mentors, he suggests, “can make all the difference.”
Join us THIS WEDNESDAY (8 July) for ‘Secrets to Success Leeds — with Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons, DAC Beachcroft and ULaw‘. Apply now to attend.
Find out more about studying with The University of Law

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

Amy has spoken of the devastating moment her life changed forever.A Leeds woman has spoken out about the devastating moment her life changed forever when she was hit by a car when she was a child.Amy Stevenson was just eight-years-old when her life was changed forever. She and a friend she had been playing with were waiting to cross the road with the other girl’s mum when Amy was knocked down.”I don’t remember any of it,” Amy said in a video created for the “Life. Loss. Learning. Legacy” project. “I remember being in the hospital after being in ICU on a ward for six weeks.”I was paralysed down my right side due to a head injury and my right eye was closed.”Amy had also suffered a broken left femur, as well as a break to her growing plate, which caused concerns that her arm would no longer grow. “I had a lovely childhood…The car that knocked me down was driving too fast and too close to the curb. It was a really hard time for me and my family and my mum and my friends and everything.”But although the crash itself would have taken just a matter of moments, its repercussions would last a lifetime for Amy – even after she was discharged from hospital. “I felt like I was weird and nobody really wanted to know me,” said Amy, who spent the next 10 years in and out of hospital for surgery . “I felt really lonely and was overthinking all of the time. I used to worry a lot about the pressure put on my family because it affected my brothers and sister dealing with my mum not being there, and of course my mum. I was really worried about my life going forward and what sort of things I was going to have.Get all the latest and breaking news in Leeds by signing up to our newsletter here.”Would I have my own home or children or dogs I could walk? When I was 18, I didn’t feel like I had had enough rehabilitation and felt like I had kind of been forgotten about.”Amy went on to do her own research and found out about a treatment in Miami where doctors would connect wires to different muscles and the brain while she was stood up or walking and she could see on a monitor what was working. She said: “I could see the muscles I thought weren’t working worked.”Amy went on two trips to Miami for the treatment. She said: “It gave me the confidence to know I could do something. I have always been really determined since then. Maybe the fear of not being able to do something has turned me into this person determined to do whatever I want to.”Amy Stevenson(Image: One Trauma Support/Lippy People)She said she has now accepted herself and added: “I know the lady who caused my accident and I don’t feel any resentment towards her. I think it’s really important to forgive people for something she didn’t set out to do that evening.”Looking back, I have had such a brilliant life. I have got married, had children, got two dogs and am loving life. I have achieved everything I was frightened about when I was a teenager. It made me realise that time I spent worrying and scared about these things happening to me, I didn’t need to waste all of the time worrying about it.”Amy has told her story as part of a project launched by Day One Trauma Support, a Leeds-based charity dedicated to helping people who have suffered with serious or life-changing injuries. The charity has partnered with Lippy People, a charity that uses video storytelling to support people sharing their experiences, to create important and hard-hitting clips, including Amy’s. “Storytelling is a uniquely human way of connecting,” said Amy. “It creates a lasting legacy, highlighting experiences, lessons and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. In telling our stories, we have created connections, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging and shared understanding.“We hope our stories do more than just raise awareness. We hope they build empathy, inspire reflection, start conversations and ultimately improve things for people recovering from life-changing injury.”Carley Stubbs, Head of Lived Experience and Social Research at Day One Trauma Support said: “Stories have the power to change how we see the world. Recovery is much more than just survival. This project encapsulates our charity’s goal of building a community of people who can support one another.“They know, from lived experience, how life feels when it is shattered in an instant, and what it takes to recover from injury, rebuild their life and reclaim their identity. Thank you to each storyteller who shared their experiences with honesty and courage, and to Lippy People for bringing this project to life.”Pete Towson, of Lippy People said: “From the very first time I met each Day One storyteller, I knew this project was going to be something special.“It quickly became clear that we were creating a collection of truly incredible stories. A real highlight has also been watching the social connections grow among the members; seeing the power of peer support and the creation of such a supportive space for sharing and learning has been a true joy.”LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here .If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here .

Credit: Imago

Leeds United have already sanctioned Pascal Struijk’s departure this summer and are looking to offload several more players before the transfer window closes.

The Whites would have preferred to keep Struijk, but once it became clear he would not sign a new contract, the club opted to cash in before the end of June to help balance the books.

Most Read on The Leeds Press

Leeds are now focused on trimming the squad further, with several players outside Daniel Farke’s plans and unlikely to play a meaningful role in the Premier League next season.

Isaac Schmidt is among those expected to return from loan this summer, but he is not part of Farke’s long-term thinking. The defender is widely expected to leave Elland Road again, with interest already emerging from clubs in his native Switzerland.

Leeds United take major Isaac Schmidt decision

Isaac Schmidt spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, but didn’t do enough to earn a permanent stay at the German club at the end of the campaign.

He started six league matches and made another 13 appearances from the bench. Although he marked his debut with a goal, he failed to register another goal or assist as his loan side finished six points clear of the relegation zone.

The German club ultimately decided against making the move permanent.

Young Boys and FC Basel are interested in taking the defender back to Switzerland this summer. However, Leeds have clear expectations for a deal.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds will push for a permanent sale of Schmidt, two years into his four-year contract at Elland Road.

He does not have a future at Elland Road, and the Whites are keen to sell him for a fee, rather than accept one more loan offer.

Leeds need to offload several players

Isaac Schmidt is one of several players Leeds United are hoping to move on this summer, as the defender is not part of Daniel Farke’s long-term plans.

Largie Ramazani is set to return for pre-season, but Valencia are continuing to work on a deal to bring him back to the Mestalla after last season’s loan spell.

Mateo Joseph’s future remains uncertain. A knee injury has complicated any potential transfer, making it increasingly likely that he will still be at Elland Road once the window closes.

Joel Piroe is widely expected to leave as Leeds look to bring in a new striker, although there are no advanced talks over his exit at this stage.

Wilfried Gnonto is another player who could depart before the deadline, but Leeds are still waiting for a club to meet their valuation of the Italian winger.

By NoSmokeBoxing

Undefeated Dutch knockout artist Gradus Kraus is set for a significant light heavyweight challenge against American veteran Sean Hemphill on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This pivotal bout will unfold at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, England, as part of the highly anticipated Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II card.

The fight represents a crucial step for the 24-year-old Kraus, who aims to solidify his rapidly growing reputation against a formidable opponent known for pulling off upsets.

Gradus Kraus vs Sean Hemphill: The main event

Kraus, with an impressive 11-0 record including 10 knockouts, will put his perfect professional ledger on the line in what BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom has described as a “major test.” Hemphill, 30, brings a 19-3 record with 11 KOs and a wealth of experience, making this a fascinating clash of rising talent against battle-tested skill.

Gradus Kraus has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting boxing prospects. The 24-year-old Dutchman has floored every opponent he’s faced, with only one making it beyond the second round. His aggressive style and devastating power have earned him a reputation as a must-watch fighter in the light heavyweight division.

Kraus’s journey to this point includes a second-round stoppage victory over Theo Brooks in Rotterdam earlier this year. Before that, he stopped Boris Crighton in the second round at London’s Copper Box Arena on January 31, 2026. His father, Albert Kraus, a legendary kickboxer, serves as his trainer, guiding his promising career.

Promoted by BOXXER, Kraus is highly regarded, though Ben Shalom cautions that it is “still early days.” This fight against Sean Hemphill is strategically designed to push Kraus, providing the kind of resistance that can truly gauge a fighter’s championship potential.

Sean Hemphill seeks another UK upset

Sean “Silky” Hemphill, hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, is no stranger to fighting on foreign soil. This will be his third trip to the UK, where his record stands at 1-1. His last outing saw him lose a split decision to Ty Mitchell at Misfits Boxing 22 in Manchester in August 2025.

But Hemphill also boasts a career-defining win from June 2025, when he secured a majority decision over the previously unbeaten Mark Jeffers at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley. That victory earned him the WBA Gold Continental title and proved he’s capable of upsetting the odds against highly touted local talent.

Hemphill’s resume includes sharing the ring with former world champion William Scull and serving as a sparring partner for boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. This extensive experience makes him a dangerous opponent for any rising prospect, presenting a complex challenge that Kraus hasn’t yet encountered in his professional career.

Williamson-Simpson II headlines the evening

The Kraus vs. Hemphill clash serves as a compelling addition to an already stacked card headlined by the super middleweight rematch between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson. Their first encounter, on December 20, 2025, was a brutal affair at the same Leeds venue, with Williamson defeating Simpson by TKO in the tenth round to claim the European, British, and Commonwealth titles.

That initial fight saw Simpson, previously undefeated with an 18-0 record and 13 KOs, knocked down four times in the final round before the stoppage. Oddsmakers had favored Simpson heavily at 7/50 (-710), making Williamson’s 9/2 (+450) victory a significant upset.

Williamson, from Darlington, County Durham, entered that bout with a 21-4-1 record and 15 KOs, having previously defeated Mark Dickinson by TKO in September 2025 for the English title.

Simpson, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, had built a formidable record with wins over Ivan Zucco, Elvis Ahorgah, Steed Woodall, Zak Chelli, and Abdallah Paziwapazi in the months leading up to his first clash with Williamson. The rematch promises to be a high-stakes affair, with both fighters eager to prove themselves and claim the coveted titles.

This kind of competitive rematch often brings out the best in both fighters, promising an explosive main event.

Stacked undercard features British and international talent

Beyond the main event and the light heavyweight showdown, the BOXXER fight night boasts a deep undercard, showcasing a mix of promising talents from the UK and abroad. Fans attending the First Direct Bank Arena will witness several intriguing matchups across various weight classes.

Hassan Azim (9-0, 5 KOs, British-Pakistani) vs. Ruben Torres (8-0, 4 KOs, Portugal) – 8 rounds, super welterweight
Mauro Silva (9-0, 4 KOs, Manchester) vs. Tyler Christopher (12-0, 2 KOs, Birmingham-based Bermudan) – 8 rounds, middleweight
Billy Pickles (18-1, 1 KO) vs. Max Curtis (10-1, 1 KO) – 6 rounds, super lightweight
Billy Deniz (15-0, 5 KOs) vs. Alex Carter (5-2) – 6 rounds, super middleweight
Brad Casey (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Ross McGuigan (7-12-1, 1 KO) – 4 rounds, cruiserweight
Ted Jackson (7-0) vs. TBA – 6 rounds, super welterweight

This lineup reflects BOXXER’s commitment to developing new stars and providing entertaining fights for British boxing fans. The variety of undefeated prospects and seasoned competitors suggests an evening full of competitive action. The inclusion of international fighters like Portugal’s Ruben Torres also adds an extra dimension to the card.

Strategic pairing offers significant development

The decision to pit Gradus Kraus against Sean Hemphill is a deliberate strategic move by BOXXER. It places a rapidly ascending prospect against a fighter with a proven ability to challenge. As Ben Shalom noted, Hemphill is a “slick operator” who has “already shown in the UK that he can upset the odds.”

This kind of matchmaking is essential for the growth of a young fighter like Kraus. Such pairings prevent prospects from cruising on easy wins, instead forcing them to adapt and overcome genuine adversity.

For Kraus, overcoming a tricky veteran like Hemphill would significantly boost his standing in the light heavyweight division. It would provide tangible evidence that he can not only knock out opponents but also outbox experienced professionals who pose stylistic puzzles. This is a common path for fighters destined for world titles, where they must navigate a series of increasingly difficult challenges.

Similarly, for Hemphill, an upset victory against an undefeated prospect on a major platform like DAZN would reignite his career. It would demonstrate that his WBA Gold Continental title win was no fluke and that he remains a credible threat in the division. Both fighters have immense motivation, ensuring a high-octane encounter in Leeds.

Event broadcast and ticket information

Boxing fans around the world will be able to catch all the action live and exclusively on DAZN. The event, scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, promises a full day of boxing with doors opening at 4:00 PM local time. The First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds provides a fantastic setting for this high-profile fight night, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate boxing crowd.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase via AXS.com and Ticketmaster UK. For those planning to attend, it’s important to note that all under-14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times. This ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, maintaining the family-friendly aspect of major boxing events.

The full card, including the much-anticipated rematch between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson, highlights the depth of talent on display. Fans can look forward to a night of compelling contests, from the explosive power of Gradus Kraus to the tactical masterclass expected from the main event contenders.

BOXXER has assembled a card designed to deliver maximum excitement, ensuring every fight holds significance for the fighters involved and the broader boxing landscape.

com/women-s-boxing-golden-era-why-womens-boxing-is-entering-a-new-golden-e/”>Women’s boxing has also seen a golden era emerge, bringing more diverse and exciting matchups to the forefront of the sport, mirroring the strategic development of cards like this one. com/tyson-fury-vs-anthony-joshua-date-revealed-update/”>Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, continue to capture the public imagination, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the sport’s biggest names. This Leeds event aims to cultivate the next generation of boxing stars who might one day headline such monumental events themselves.

The O’tea’ly Run is raising money for Friends of Alfie Martin alongside the Leeds-based Give a Gift charity. Give a Gift director Rifhat Malik said: “When Shazia came to me with the idea, I loved it.”We were born and bred in Leeds, and we see the Otley runners all the time and it’s brilliant fun.”I’m really inspired because it’s great that we’ve got people from our community coming forward to raise funds for our chosen charity.”Malik said the charity’s mission was especially close to her heart. “I’ve sort of gone through what the founders went through in terms of losing a baby, and I think the vital equipment that they provide in the Yorkshire region, the hospitals in particular, it’s life-saving, amazing work.”So it probably touches a lot of families in many ways. This is just one way of us showing our support. They’re doing some fantastic work.”Friends of Alfie Martin was founded in 2002 by Alfie’s parents, Fiona and Roger Martin. Alfie died three days after being born by caesarean section at Harrogate District Hospital. The volunteer-led charity has raised more than £1m so far, helping thousands of families across Yorkshire.Committee member Jackie Knaggs said being chosen as the charity partner was a “privilege”, but it was also heartening to see something “fun” contribute to Alfie’s “positive legacy”.

Leeds United smartly included a sell-on clause in Charlie Cresswell’s transfer to Toulouse. Now, he’s on the move two years later.

Leeds’ academy has produced some very talented players of late, but few of them have actually enjoyed prolonged stints in the Whites senior squad.

Charlie Cresswell made a handful of appearances for us. However, a lack of playing time behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk meant he was justified in pursuing a move to Toulouse. The 49ers sanctioned a move for £3.8million in the summer of 2024.

Leeds United to gain up to £3million from Charlies Cresswell transfer to Rennes

It looked a fairly small fee for Cresswell having enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Millwall previously. Although, United also agreed a sell-on clause when selling the centre-back to Toulouse.

Leeds, per the YEP, are entitled to 15% of any profit made by the Ligue 1 club in the event of his exit.

After various links to our Premier League rivals, Cresswell is leaving, but is set to stay in France with a move north up to Rennes. Foot Mercato report that a €28million (£24million) deal is agreed between the two Ligue 1 sides.

Such a fee for Toulouse entitles Leeds to a fee up to £3million for Cresswell’s exit to Rennes. In the process, he’s joining a side playing in next season’s Europa League.

Leeds United gain valuable boost after cashing in on Charlie Cresswell early in his career

If the circumstances were different, the club probably wouldn’t have sold Cresswell. Our hands were tied, though.

He wasn’t playing because we had two better starting centre-backs in the Championship. And, he wanted immediate assurances of regular football, which Toulouse have offered.

What we all expected has followed, he’s become a highly sought after centre-back across Europe and a side playing in Europe are signing him.

Leeds were justified for selling at the time, but it’s a shame he couldn’t realise his potential here. Good luck to him.

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