Category: Leeds

  • Leeds United soften Pascal Struijk transfer blow with new detail – Could be worth millions

    Leeds United soften Pascal Struijk transfer blow with new detail – Could be worth millions


    Leeds United have confirmed the exit of Pascal Struijk to Brighton this week, as it’s confirmed the Whites had to fast-track a sale to comply with PSR.

    United’s summer transfer window is all about strengthening further to consolidate in the Premier League under Daniel Farke.

    However, there’s an added priority on the agenda now. The club are forced to replace Pascal Struijk with another left-sided centre-back.

    Leeds United confirm Pascal Struijk exit to Brighton – Contrasting fee reports emerge

    Ever since the season’s end, there’s been consistent reports suggesting that Struijk leaving wouldn’t be that much of a shock.

    Heading into the final 12 months of his contract, United were at a crossroads. Either convince him to extend his contract, or we’d be forced to sell him in order to avoid a free transfer exit next summer.

    Brighton are the club that have pushed through a sale at the end of June. Contrasting reports from each side of the deal mean there’s a slight difference in what the actual fee is.

    Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell cites both Leeds and Brighton sources, with the former claiming it’s £18million plus £2million in add-ons, while Seagulls sources claim it’s £15million up front with £3million in add-ons.

    Leeds United forced into PSR sale on Pascal Struijk – But included important sell-on clause

    Such a fee for someone who has been as consistent as Struijk is a hard pill to swallow. When you see the absurd fees being spent on players elsewhere, Struijk should be going for so much more.

    But, it’s clear that Leeds were in a tight PSR situation that forced our hand into selling. That’s outlined by the club’s statement on Struijk’s exit.

    “Last summer, the decision was taken to keep all key players at Elland Road, to give the club the best possible chance of Premier League survival, with the expectation that player sales would be needed to remain PSR (Profit & Sustainability Rules) compliant over a three-year accounting window ending 30th June 2026.

    “The club’s higher than expected 14th place finish and run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final vindicated this decision, with the increased income and single sale of Struijk ensuring the club remains within PSR limits.”

    Importantly, Leeds’ fairly underwhelming fee for Struijk is softened by the inclusion of a sell-on clause. United didn’t confirm the percentage we’re entitled to from any future sale, though.

    As is typical of these clause, Leeds will earn a percentage of any profit made on Brighton’s £18million signing of Struijk. Given their track record of selling players for inflated sums, it’s a potentially smart clause to include.

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  • Club-record signing on the cards: How Leeds could replace Pascal Struijk

    Club-record signing on the cards: How Leeds could replace Pascal Struijk



    For all of Leeds United’s success last season, it looks like they have not done enough to keep hold of Pascal Struijk. The central defender is heading to Brighton & Hove Albion a year before his Elland Road deal ends, with the Whites set to receive around £20m. It’s a frustrating blow for Daniel Farke, who has little choice but to watch on as a player brings the curtains down on an eight-year spell in Yorkshire.

    Replacing Struijk after so many years won’t be a routine task, but the 49ers have already got a number of names lined up who could do exactly that.
    Who could replace Struijk at Leeds?

    The task becomes even tougher for Leeds after arguably Struijk’s best season at Elland Road. The 26-year-old featured in 34 of 38 Premier League games and started 33. He was the consistent member of Farke’s backline. Even as the German switched to a back five, Struijk remained crucial.

    Nonetheless, there’s no standing in the way of his exit and Leeds have been forced to assess their options ahead of their second campaign back in the top flight. It’s seen names like Nico Elvedi emerge and the fact that he’s worked with Farke in the past should certainly boost any transfer chances. Whether that’s enough to tempt the 49ers into matching Borussia Mönchengladbach’s £9m asking price remains to be seen, however.
    Instead, the American owners could land a player who’s already got Premier League experience. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have opened talks to sign Ladislav Krejci from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. The Czech Republic captain spent the second-half of last season on loan at Girona and is now heading back to Wolves, who are looking for a hefty £40m to sell their defender.

    Leeds United’s most expensive signings of all time

    Rank

    Player

    Fee

    Signed from

    Year

    1

    Georginio Rutter

    £35.5m

    Hoffenheim

    2023

    2

    Brenden Aaronson

    £28.5m

    RB Salzburg

    2022

    3

    Rodrigo

    £26m

    Valencia

    2020

    4

    Dan James

    £25m

    Man Utd

    2018

    5

    Luis Sinisterra

    £21m

    Feyenoord

    2022

    As a result of that, he would become their biggest transfer in Leeds history. It would be quite the move.
    Why Krejci could be Leeds’ dream replacement

    Krejci’s ability to play in a back three has particularly attracted Farke and Leeds in their system, but there remains question marks over their ability to spend what would be a club-record asking price. After all, it’s easy to write relegated players off, particularly when they’ve just endured the nightmare that Leeds are desperate to avoid.

    Ask some of the top clubs in England, however, and they’ll be quick to point out some incredible deals. Think Andy Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool. They entered as relegated stars and left as serial winners.

    Leeds now have the chance to swoop in and land Krejci in similar fashion. The 6 foot 2 defender has shown plenty of promise despite difficult collective campaigns at Wolves and Girona, and certainly deserves another shot at the Premier League.

    Struijk vs Krejci – 2025/26 Premier League

    Stats (* = per 90)

    Struijk

    Krejci

    Minutes

    2,937

    2,361

    Tackles*

    1.2

    1.22

    Duel success*

    55.6%

    50.2%

    Recoveries*

    3.62

    3.01

    Pass success*

    88.5%

    82.5%

    In a struggling Wolves side last season, Krejci still proved his worth at times. He particularly impressed off the ball, winning more tackles than Struijk per game, and may at least get the chance to improve his passing numbers in a more complete side like Leeds.

    What is important to note is how tall the defender is. It’s become quite the theme at Elland Road since their return to the Premier League and replacing Struijk’s 6 foot 2 frame is just as important as replacing his defensive ability. Krejci, standing at the same height, would arguably do both. Whether or not he’s a £40m player remains to be seen, but they need a replacement and a Premier League-proven one is certainly a good idea. Losing the Brighton-bound star will be a major blow, but that exit once again allows Leeds to dip into the market and welcome an ideal replacement this summer.

    Related

    Better signing than Brandt: Leeds in talks to sign “exciting” World Cup star

    Leeds United are reportedly pursuing a deal to sign a star who would be an even better signing than Julian Brandt.

  • Leeds United confirm major departure

    Leeds United confirm major departure


    Leeds United corner flag. Credit: Imago

    Leeds United had a slow start to the summer transfer window, until the events of last week. It was revealed that the Whites had agreed a deal to sign Harry Wilson.

    Wilson will leave Fulham when his contract expires and will join Leeds as a free agent.

    Most Read on The Leeds Press

    His arrival has been highly anticipated; a player who managed 19 goal contributions in all competitions last season. The Welsh international is set to bring attacking threat and creativity to the first team.

    Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the formalities surrounding the move have been finalized.

    Wilson will sign a four-year deal, on higher wages than he was at his previous club. There were many suitors after him this summer.

    Leeds United confirm major departure

    When this past season ended, Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about transfer plans this summer.

    In his statement, he made it clear that the club would have a logical approach to the window. Marathe also highlighted the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules that will be in place this summer.

    His submission pointed to the fact that if the Whites are to spend big, they will need to sell some players.

    Leeds United have confirmed their first summer departure; Pascal Struijk will leave the club to join Brighton ahead of next season.

    MORE TO FOLLOW

  • ‘Putting two fingers up to MND’ – the extraordinary Welsh marathon runner refusing to back down | InYourArea

    ‘Putting two fingers up to MND’ – the extraordinary Welsh marathon runner refusing to back down | InYourArea



    An extraordinary man who refuses to let a devastating diagnosis define him is capturing hearts across the country as he aims to raise a staggering £100,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.Matt Cox, who was diagnosed with the progressive disease just 12 months ago, has already seen his mobility heavily impacted.

    Today, he relies on a dedicated support team and his incredibly loving family to push him in a wheelchair for the majority of his gruelling fundraising challenges.Yet, despite his rapidly fading physical strength, Matt’s mental grit is stronger than ever. This Sunday, he is determined to leave his wheelchair behind and walk the final four miles of the high-profile Wales marathon between Tenby and Pembroke.For Matt, every step is a personal victory and a chance to, in his own words, “put two fingers up to MND.”Matt’s fundraising journey has been nothing short of legendary. In April, he tackled the iconic London Marathon, emotional footage of which showed him courageously walking the final mile across the finish line. Weeks later in Leeds, he doubled it – walking the final two miles.
    Now, as the marathon arrives on Welsh soil, Matt is doubling the stakes yet again.“I am absolutely determined to raise £100,000 to support the MND Association, a charity which continues to do so much to not only support me, but the 5,000 others who are living with MND in the UK right now,” Matt said.“The last few weeks have been really tough. I know MND is slowly taking away my mobility, but that makes me want to do even more.

    “In London I walked for the last mile, in Leeds I walked for the last two, so I’m doubling it to walk four in Wales.”
    “My next challenge will be the Great North Run in September where I will walk for the last eight miles. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me so far, including the MND community which has been incredible. Every penny we raise will make a huge difference.”Behind every great athlete is an incredible team, and Matt is no exception. His family and close friends have remained firmly by his side through every unimaginable challenge over the past year, acting as his literal and emotional pillars of strength.With his sight firmly set on hitting that massive £100,000 milestone, Matt’s defiance in the face of adversity is proving to be a true beacon of hope for the entire MND community.How to support MattShow your support for Matt along the marathon route this Sunday between Tenby and Pembroke.To learn more about his journey, share his story, or make a vital donation to his £100,000 goal, visit the MND Association.

  • Farnley: ‘Solution soon’ to pitch drainage issues – West Leeds Dispatch

    Farnley: ‘Solution soon’ to pitch drainage issues – West Leeds Dispatch


    By John Baron

    A drainage failure which leaves Tong Road flooded and Farnley Falcons’ pitches unusable could soon be resolved, a councillor has said.

    WLD featured in January how  persistent surface water runoff from Butt Lane Playing Fields has repeatedly flooded the road and pavement – leaving dangerous ice in winter and ongoing damage to the road. In February Farsley resident Peter Allison raised the issues with councillors on the Outer West Community Committee.

    At today’s Outer West Community Committee meeting, Councillor Kate Haigh (Labour, Farnley & Wortley) had raised the issue with Leeds City Council and said a CCTV survey had revealed one of the culverts had been blocked and that it will be jetted and cleared in the coming weeks.

    She said different options to improve drainage had been discussed and that investigations were ongoing, including options to upsize a pipe.

    “We are hoping to have a solution soon,” she added.

    Leeds City Council had said it was committed to finding the source of the issue and had been working collaboratively across various services and the rugby club to try and find a way to resolve the problems as soon as possible.

  • Leeds United make move for Premier League star as asking price revealed

    Leeds United make move for Premier League star as asking price revealed


    Credit: Imago

    Leeds United are ramping up their efforts to bring in new players ahead of the start of pre-season preparations in the next couple of weeks.

    The club have an agreement in place to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer, and the deal will likely go through sometime this week once he is formally out of his Fulham contract.

    Most Read on The Leeds Press

    Leeds are also in talks with Julian Brandt and are trying to convince him to move to Elland Road over interest from two Champions League clubs this summer.

    The Whites are close to finalising a new deal with Karl Darlow, but signing a goalkeeper remains a priority, and they have made a move for a long-term target in the Premier League.

    Read More: Leeds United preparing a bid for World Cup goalkeeping star

    Newcastle name asking price for Nick Pope

    Nick Pope has been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer and has only a year left on his contract at St. James’ Park.

    The Magpies have already signed a new goalkeeper and want to sign one more, a move that will require Pope’s departure in the ongoing transfer window.

    He has been regularly linked with a move to Leeds, and according to Football Insider, the Whites have registered interest in signing him this summer.

    Leeds are interested in Pope and are trying to gauge the financial aspects of a deal that would see him move to Elland Road in the ongoing window.

    Newcastle are ready to sell him, but are expected to hold out for a fee of around £10m to £12m before agreeing to let Pope go.

    There were suggestions that given his contract situation and age, Newcastle would be ready to accept somewhere around £5m for the goalkeeper.

    However, it seems Newcastle are not prepared to sell him for a cut-price figure.

    Leeds will likely sell Lucas Perri

    Lucas Perri slipped down the pecking order midway through last season and spent the second half of the campaign largely confined to cup matches after losing his place in the Premier League side.

    With Karl Darlow expected to sign a new contract and Leeds pushing to bring in another goalkeeper this summer, Perri’s future at Elland Road looks increasingly uncertain.

    The club are willing to listen to offers for the Brazilian once a replacement arrives, with all signs pointing towards an exit before the transfer window closes.

    Perri never did enough to convince the coaching staff that he was ready to be Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League, and a summer departure now appears to be the most likely outcome.

  • Replacing Pascal Struijk: Leeds United expected to explore several targets ASAP – View

    Replacing Pascal Struijk: Leeds United expected to explore several targets ASAP – View


    Leeds United have a huge hole to fill in the squad as left-sided centre-back Pascal Struijk leaves for Brighton in a £20million deal.

    News broke on Saturday night that United have sanctioned a deal to see the longest-serving player in Daniel Farke’s squad leave.

    A verbal agreement had been reached between the Whites and Brighton for Pascal Struijk to move for £20million. However, reports on Sunday evening revealed Leeds are actually banking £15million with a further £3million in add-ons.

    The rationale for Leeds was Struijk’s reluctance to extend his contract beyond 2027, meaning Leeds either cashed in, or faced losing him for nothing in 12 months.

    Now, the 49ers’ task is replacing what Farke described previously as one of the “cornerstones” of the club. Not only just a generally crucial figure in United’s squad, but a rare asset as a left-footed centre-back at the peak of his powers, tasked with a key role in our buildup.

    So, it’s not a straightforward replacement job.

    Here, I look at a host of individuals I think Leeds should have on the shortlist to replace Struijk…

    Ladislav Krejci – Wolves

    The most strongly linked name is Wolves and Czechia centre-back Ladislav Krejci. A similar age to Struijk, Krejci wouldn’t have huge resale potential at Elland Road, but would certainly fill the void left by Struijk.

    While we’d be losing some of the upside of Struijk’s prowess on the ball, Krejci would improve Leeds’ athleticism down the left, as well as the 27-year-old’s impressive ability to attack set pieces.

    Wolves’ relegation opens the door for Krejci to leave at a somewhat modest sum. He joins the Molineux club permanently this summer on a £26million obligation to buy.

    You’d imagine Wolves would be happy to break even on that fee.

    Maxime Esteve – Burnley

    Staying with relegated Premier League talent, a name that’s warming to me the more I think of him is Burnley’s Maxime Esteve.

    I think it’s really harsh to tar relegated players with the same brush as not good enough. James Justin falls into that category and is one of the standout signings we made.

    Esteve at 23 has a very high ceiling, and would definitely look much more suited to a side not losing most weeks in uninspiring fashion.

    Like Struijk, the Frenchman would take plenty of responsibility on the ball, as well as provide solid aerial presence. Importantly, Esteve would add much more pace to the side when covering wide areas.

    Frustratingly, Esteve penned a five-year deal last summer, meaning he is contracted until 2030 and might command a handsome fee.

    Jhon Lucumi – Bologna

    On the other end of the contract situation is Bologna and Colombia star Jhon Lucumi, heading into the final 12 months of his deal.

    A starring performance at the heart of a back four against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Lucumi could be exactly what Leeds need at the back.

    Again, he’s comfortable having plenty of the ball, and a physically robust centre-back.

    When exploring the options that would come within Leeds’ budget and not spill over into other priorities, Lucumi might be that man.

    Tarik Muharemovic – Sassuolo

    Staying in the Serie A, Sassuolo and Bosnia’s aggressive Tarik Muharemovic has experienced the best and worst of a World Cup group stage.

    There’s been some superb box defending from the 23-year-old, while he missed their final game of the group stages after a red card against Switzerland.

    At 6ft4in, Leeds could add serious height and physicality to the squad with the Bosnian. He’s another too, at 23, that has the upside of potentially being worth even more in years to come.

    Albian Hajdari – Hoffenheim

    Another aggressive centre-back is Hoffenheim’s Kosovan star Albian Hajdari, whose trajectory in the Bundesliga is only going one way.

    He’s only been in the German top flight for one season after leaving Swiss side Lugano. But, he’s taken to the challenge of an elite league with relative ease.

    Hajdari, 23, might be something of a risk after relatively little experience at the top level, though his start to life at Hoffenheim promises a lot.

    Konstantinos Koulierakis – Wolfsburg

    Also in Germany, Wolfsburg’s shock relegation is no doubt catching the eye of clubs across Europe to potential bargains.

    22-year-old Greek centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis is one of those that could easily be offered a route to a better club.

    A four-goal haul in the Bundesliga despite his side’s struggles is a worthy plus. Leeds are strong at attacking set pieces, so replacing Struijk with another formidable attacking threat would be superb.

    Nathan Ake – Manchester City

    Perhaps a bold shout, but Nathan Ake doesn’t look to be a core part of the plans at Manchester City, out of contract in a year.

    18 appearances for Man City in the league last season suggests he could get more regular playing time elsewhere.

    There’ll be plenty of interest in the Dutchman’s services, should he be free to leave the Etihad. However, we proved with Harry Wilson that we’re capable of muscling into these conversations.

    As left-sided centre-backs go, Ake would be a statement coup to add experience and starting quality.

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  • Leeds United’s Dan James offload question, Julian Brandt’s Farke history and Harry Gray future

    Leeds United’s Dan James offload question, Julian Brandt’s Farke history and Harry Gray future



    James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc07:00, 28 Jun 2026Julian Brandt has spent seven years with Borussia Dortmund(Image: Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)Ahead of what looks like being a busy few days or potentially weeks as Leeds United bid to get some early transfer business done, our Leeds United reporter Isaac Johnson has been answering fans’ questions.Here is the second part of his Q&A with supporters, as featured in his free, weekly subscription newsletter.To subscribe to the Marching On Newsletter, click here.Chris: Is now the time to offload James and other fringe players?It depends which fringe players but for the most part, I’d say yes, now is the time to start being more cut-throat due to new Squad Cost Ratio [SCR] rules tightening spending margins.At the same time, the biggest hurdle is making sure you don’t make a loss on players.Admittedly Leeds probably are not worrying about this too much. The likes of Jack Harrison and Joe Gelhardt would not be of concern given their amortisation fee has long been paid.The only real loss dangers are Max Wober – who has played just 12 games in the past two years due to injury – and Isaac Schmidt, who also had a poor loan at Werder Bremen.As for Daniel James, I can’t see him going, for several reasons. Not least because he signed a new four-year contract last summer (albeit, yes, contracts hardly mean much these days) but also because he could yet have a role to play if the formation changes.Daniel Farke is a big fan of his and James is a fantastic back-up to Harry Wilson. James also needs a full season without injury to regain confidence – few clubs would be interested in him after last season’s record.More likely to go is Wilfried Gnonto, who will fall even further down the pecking list amid the pending arrival of Wilson, having only started three league games last season as it was.Anon: What’s the situation with Harry Wilson?Terms have been agreed but documents are yet to be formally signed. Wilson must complete his medical first, but there are not expected to be any hiccups.I have been told his proposed unveiling is not ‘imminent’ so it could be a case of next week – which would make sense given he is still under contract at Fulham until June 30. His free arrival means the summer transfer budget remains untouched.Fitzroybaggers: Does Julian Brandt have any ancient history with Farke?Not much, really. The most notable thing you can say is that Brandt scored against Daniel Farke’s Borussia Monchengladbach for Borussia Dortmund in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season.Obviously, the manager will know him well given their shared nationality. Brandt has 48 caps so is hardly a stranger in the German domestic scene. But as for direct history between the pair, there’s not so much.Alan Fowler: I personally think they should bring Harry Gray back into the squad now. I also think they need a quality number 10 and also a class centre back. What do you think?On Harry Gray, whilst I get the enthusiasm around him, it is still too early for a Premier League season. He’d only be a mere squad filler which would do his development no good – you need to build match experience.It’s important to remember that Gray, age 17, only has 21 senior career appearances and all but one of those have come at League One level. The boy’s got talent, and Leeds know that, but it’s about developing him carefully. I’d say a full-season loan elsewhere is more likely.On the number 10, I think you’re right, without question. A quality no.10 has been the biggest thing Leeds have lacked ever since Georginio Rutter left, and he wasn’t really a proper 10.Such a player, like Brandt, would enable Leeds to be much more flexible in formation, be it 4-2-3-1, 3-4-2-1 or even 4-3-1-2. This area, for me, is a must.As for centre-back, my personal view is that Leeds need another option even if Pascal Struijk does sign a renewal, should the back three system be retained.I know James Justin did amply well at right centre-back but going into a full season with just four natural centre-half options when – ideally – you’re using three at any given time is a bit risky.If Struijk goes then Leeds definitely need a senior option but if he stays then a better back up than Sebastiaan Bornauw would be a clever move. That said, there are only so many pennies that can be spent.Revielad: I don’t think Farke’s contract is important at all. In my view it’s in Leeds United’s best interests to let things run. Why would you negotiate new terms now? Giving him an improved contract may prove to be an expensive mistake.Daniel Farke has 12 months left on his contract as things stand / Credit: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFor me, there is far more danger in not handing Farke a renewal. If a deal is agreed then it gives more clarity and enticement for current options, namely Struijk, to pen new terms and also gives potential transfer targets more clarity. Not doing so only creates uncertainty and hesitancy.Paraag Marathe says renewal talks will happen at some stage and I’d take Ethan Ampadu’s new contract and Wilson’s forthcoming arrival as indicators as to how these discussions will go.The manager’s wages are not as hefty as players so the only real risk would be his compensation package if sacked plus the cost of hiring a replacement – all of which comes under the SCR spending umbrella.It could be a risk if things go south quickly, but that would be the case with any manager on new terms. Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace – these are all similar gambles. Leeds could deal with the financial turnover if the worst does happen.Leeinvan: I think the team needs at least three new starters, and all players that were loaned out last season should be sold for whatever you can get.It all depends who arrives ultimately, but you could be bang on the money with three new starters. Wilson looks to be one. A new goalkeeper, if sought after, could be another. And possibly a new midfielder? Leeds are, after all, in talks with Southampton over Shea Charles.That’s if Struijk stays, if not then it could be four. While fresh back-up left-back and striker options will likely be acquired, they might not start from the off.Dominic Calvert-Lewin will stay first choice while Noah Okafor and Anton Stach are staples, as of course is Ethan Ampadu. Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol can be confident of their spots too, as can Gabriel Gudmundsson while Jayden Bogle and James Justin fight for the right flank.As for the loan stars, I think the club will try and move them on but not all will be sold. It’s all down to interest in them, how much other clubs are willing to pay and what future Leeds see for them.It is feasible, for example, that Largie Ramazani is loaned out again given he has two years left on his deal while Wober will have very few takers. While Fiorentina are not looking likely to trigger Jack Harrison’s buy-out, there is an expectation he leaves.Joe Gelhardt will likely depart while Schmidt could be sold too. Mateo Joseph won’t be, though, with his anterior cruciate ligament injury keeping him in rehabilitation back at Thorp Arch for some time.But there is chance to get some cash through the door – the 49ers have made no secret that there will be sales this summer.

  • How Sapphire McIntosh went from homelessness to Ted Lasso

    How Sapphire McIntosh went from homelessness to Ted Lasso


    After three months, she was given a studio flat in the area, where she lived alone until moving into university halls in Manchester at age 19. 

    “I can imagine it’s not like this now, but I actually felt very supported,” she says, crediting a council support worker and her sixth form college for backing her over those years, as well as benefits like education maintenance allowance and income support.

    Her football fixation also got her through. “I did grow up too quick, definitely. But football at that point was my life – I was just obsessed,” she says. Alongside a job at Nando’s and studying for three A levels, McIntosh trained at least twice a week, playing with various different teams in between. 

    “I was just locked in, and football really helped with my situation.”

    Read more:

    McIntosh played semi-professionally until the age of 19, when she moved to Manchester for a criminology degree which she realised during a lecture on the history of policing “was not for me, actually”. But it was during this time that she made her first social media skit: Cooking with Rhonda, in which she played a Jamaican chef, teaching people how to cook basic dishes. Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

    “I uploaded it onto Facebook. And then I went out that week and someone said to me, ‘Saph, we keep on watching that video, we’ve been watching it over and over.’” 

    “But I knew then that was what I wanted to do. So then throughout my twenties I’d make little videos, I’d make characters, vox pops. And I always talked about doing stand-up but I just never did it.”

    That is, until 2020, when she enrolled in a stand-up comedy class. She excelled in the class but still lacked the confidence to get up on stage, until she saw social media clips of others from her course putting themselves out there. 

    There was the small matter of a pandemic in the way – but in 2021, McIntosh booked her first stand-up gig and hasn’t looked back. 

    McIntosh grew up a football obsessive in Leeds. Image: Michael Jullings

    In the five years since, she has reached the finals of countless comedy competitions, performed with improv and sketch groups, appeared in Channel 4’s Comedy Shorts series and continued making her own viral content. And last year, she even found the time to film the upcoming season of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, starring as a player for the new Richmond WFC. 

    The audition process was unconventional – more keepie-uppies and football drills than screen tests and table reads. But for McIntosh, it was a perfect full-circle moment. Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

    “I was so happy [when I got the call], because the reason I live the way I do is so that I’m flexible for my art,” she says, referring to the years of London renting that have variously seen her lodging illegally, boarding in a mansion and now sharing with eight housemates in a co-op. 

    “To be able to get what was basically a full-time job, on one of the biggest comedies – a flagship show about women’s football. It was just great.”

    As for the future, McIntosh hopes there will be more acting gigs, as well as opportunities to tour more and hopefully get into writers’ rooms. 

    Previews of Squeaky Bum Time have been well-received, and she’s looking forward to bringing it to Edinburgh. 

    “I’m proud of the show – it’s something new and fresh,” she says. “I feel like there’s not many comedians who’ve had my upbringing. I’ve overcome things and I’ve got a new perspective.”

    And when it comes to renting in London? Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

    “I’m the most secure I’ve been now because we’re protected in the co-op – everyone is a landlord and you can’t get kicked out unless you do something really, really bad,” she says.

    “So yeah, I’m here now and I live with a lot of people, and it allows me to do the work I do. But maybe it also pushes me, because I don’t want to be living like this forever.”

    Squeaky Bum Time by Sapphire McIntosh will be at Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe at 5.45pm each day, 5-30 August. The fourth season of Ted Lasso is on Apple TV from 5 August 

    Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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  • Transfer news: Summer transfer window 2026 – Premier League deals, ins and outs

    Transfer news: Summer transfer window 2026 – Premier League deals, ins and outs


    The summer transfer window opened on June 15 and closes at 11pm UK time on September 1. Find out who is on the move across the Premier League.Check below for a comprehensive list of all the Premier League ins and outs from the 2026 summer transfer window, as clubs confirm released lists and look to make reinforcements around the 2026 World Cup.
    Keep track of all the latest developments with our Transfer Centre blog.
    Fees include potential add-ons.In
    Piero Hincapie – Bayer Leverkusen, £34.5m
    Out
    Jakub Kiwior – Porto, £19mKerl Hein – Werder Bremen, £2.6mInModou Keba Cissa – LASK, £4.8mOutDonyell Malen – Roma, £21.7mIn-OutHamed Traore – Marseille, £6.5mLuis Sinisterra – Cruzeiro, £5.2mMarcos Senesi – Tottenham, freeInJannik Schuster – Red Bull Salzburg, £16.5mOutTony Yogane – Aberdeen, undisclosedEthan Laidlaw – Falkirk, undisclosedRyan Trevitt – releasedBrighton transfersInZadok Yohanna – AIK, £21.5mCostinha – Olympiacos, £8mOutJan Paul van Hecke – Tottenham, £52mJeremy Sarmiento – Middlesbrough, undisclosedAdam Webster – releasedJoel Veltman – releasedSolly March – releasedJames Milner – retiredInGeovany Quenda – Sporting, £44mDenner – Corinthians, £8.7mDastan Satpaev – Kairat Almaty, £2.1mEmmanuel Emegha – Strasbourg, undisclosedOutMarc Cucurella – Real Madrid, £51.8mJimmy-Jay Morgan – West Brom, undisclosedBrodi Hughes – releasedRichard Olise – releasedSam Rak-Sakyi – releasedJimi Tauriainen – releasedIn-OutJamie Allen – releasedBrad Collins – releasedConrad Ambursley – releasedCharlie Finney – releasedJack James – releasedGreg Sandiford Junior – releasedKai Yearn – releasedIn-OutCraig Farquhar – Barnet, freeInMerlin Rohl – Freiburg, £21.7mOutIsaac Heath – Cambridge, freeSeamus Coleman – releasedTyler Onyango – releasedIdrissa Gueye – releasedIn-OutRaul Jimenez – Wolves, freeSteven Benda – releasedHarry Wilson – releasedIn-OutHarry Vaughan – releasedInChuba Akpom – Ajax, £7mCedric Kipre – Reims, £3.9mOutArijanet Muric – Sassuolo, £6mLeon Ayinde – Doncaster, freeConor Chaplin – releasedConor Townsend – releasedAshley Young – retiredIn-OutIllan Meslier – releasedInJeremy Jacquet – Rennes, £60mVictor Munoz – Osasuna, £34.5mOutAndy Robertson – Tottenham, freeIbrahima Konate – Real Madrid, freeMohamed Salah – releasedRhys Williams – releasedIn-OutBernardo Silva – Real Madrid, freeJohn Stones – releasedIn-OutRasmus Hojlund – Napoli, £38mCasemiro – releasedTyrell Malacia – releasedJadon Sancho – releasedInEwen Jaouen – Reims, £18.5mOutAnthony Gordon – Barcelona, £69.3mKieran Trippier – Wolves, freeEmil Krafth – releasedJohn Ruddy – releasedMax Thompson – releasedMatt Targett – releasedIn-OutWilly Boly – releasedStefan Ortega – releasedAngus Gunn – releasedIn-OutHarrison Jones – Peterborough, undisclosedBertrand Traore – releasedDan Neil – releasedDennis Cirkin – releasedNiall Huggins – releasedInJan Paul van Hecke – Brighton, £52mMartin Dubravka – Burnley, freeAndy Robertson – Liverpool, freeMarcos Senesi – Bournemouth, freeOutYves Bissouma – released