Leeds United ran out 4-1 victors in a pre-season friendly match against German side SC Verl.
The 3. Liga outfit competed in two 60-minute halves against Leeds United, with Joel Piroe’s brace added to via Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha before Verl managed a late consolation in the 119th minute.
Of course, it’s predominantly a fitness-building exercise during pre-season, but Leeds also have the opportunity to bed-in new players and begin to form connections and relationships on the pitch.
Leeds have signed six players thus far, but there are more yet to come. The Whites have plenty of time as they prepare for the Premier League but more quality is required.
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Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto receive praise for pre-season display
There are also a number of the squad who remain from 2024/25 who are hoping to make an impact in the top flight next season. They have the chance to impress Daniel Farke in pre-season.
Two players — Gnonto and Largie Ramazani — appear to have struck up a friendship off the pitch which is translating on the field. Tony Dorigo believes Ramazani needs a strong pre-season, too.
Ramazani is enjoying featuring with Gabriel Gudmundsson on the same flank already. However, at the beginning of last season, the pair of Gnonto and Ramazani were Farke’s go-to wingers.
The Belgian will want to retain his place after he and Gnonto both stood out in the friendly on Tuesday night. Ramazani’s two assists have fans excited once more about his potential impact.
One said: “the left & right hand side would be prem ready by now if ramazani played more last season.”
Another response read: “Our very own Terror twins.”
A further reply said: “Two great players 🩷”
It’s fair to say Leeds fans are excited by their options out wide, but there could yet be another player to add to the mix in that area. Ramazani has reacted to Igor Paixao potentially arriving already.
Ramazani started just nine of his 31 Leeds games last season, scoring seven times. He could be a secret weapon if Farke puts more faith in him.
Where Jack Harrison fits into Leeds’ plans
Leeds have a Jack Harrison ‘problem’ this summer, given the wages he is on and the fact he is well down the pecking order of wingers at Farke’s disposal.
Harrison has been told he can leave but the door is open for him to fight for his place with an impressive pre-season as well, with Harrison impressing in Leeds training so far.
A parting of ways may still be best for all parties, especially because of the fact he is behind Ramazani, Gnonto, and Dan James in the pecking order, but also due to the booing Harrison received from Leeds fans against Man United.
Harrison has allied with Sam Chambers in those sessions, but a departure appears to be likely if Ramazani continues to impress as he has. If Leeds fail to sign someone, then there is still a chance Harrison could be fully reintegrated in 2025/26.
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