Plymouth Argyle coach reveals new Championship nickname for Leeds United amid ’40 million’ assessment
Argyle boss Muslic was unable to mastermind an improbable escape from relegation but tested Leeds and several other high-finishing Championship opponents at Home Park during his brief stint in charge.
The Austrian took over from Wayne Rooney earlier in the campaign with Plymouth marooned in the dropzone. Until recently, the south coast club were in with a chance of survival but results elsewhere rendered their efforts obsolete as relegation was all but confirmed ahead of the final day encounter with title hopefuls Leeds.
Muslic explained he was proud of his squad and the application they had shown since he arrived at the club, especially in going toe-to-toe with ‘high-rollers’ Leeds.
His assessment of the final day drama, which saw the Pilgrims take the lead during the first half, was that sometimes the superior side simply find a way.
“We’re actually relegated since last week and still showing this kind of performance, making it very, very difficult for Leeds to break us, shows yet again the spirit and good character of the lads.
“In the end, we also deserve a result but that’s [what happens] when you face a champion. Ruthless. That’s why Leeds are where they are. By the way, congratulations, outstanding season, Leeds are deserved champions. Congratulations to my colleague Daniel Farke.
“I don’t feel any frustration at all. We had again our structure, our intensity, we caused them, tactically, so many problems. I believe this is just top, top, top team. The guy who scored the goal [Manor Solomon] is worth 40 million Euros.”
Muslic started young midfielder Caleb Roberts on the final day for only the second time in the league this season. The other occasion was at Elland Road earlier in the campaign, during Rooney’s tenure, when Argyle failed to register a shot on goal.
“Yeah, he’s simply playing only the high-rollers,” Muslic joked. “And still being capable to perform, shows promise. Caleb Roberts is the future for Plymouth Argyle.”
Plymouth will compete in League One next season while Leeds go up to the Premier League where they aim to remain longer than Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton, who were promoted from the Championship last term but all return to the second tier after a single season.
Leeds make advances in move to sign “top-class” 243 career-goal striker
Leeds United are already preparing for life back in the top-flight and are said to be making inroads in their pursuit of a prolific striker, according to reports.
Leeds ready to take on the Premier League after dramatic title win
Despite some nervy moments along the way, Leeds are once again a Premier League club from next season and optimism is high in Yorkshire over how they may fare against the elite, especially after their last-gasp win to seal the title at Plymouth on Saturday.
Undoubtedly, savvy additions will need to be made to ensure the Whites don’t end up in a relegation scrap, but the size of the club coupled with a talented existing core could be the ideal recipe for success at Elland Road.
Stepping up their ambition, Leeds are interested in a move for Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison. However, Everton,Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fluminense, Al Hilal and Al Shabab are also interested in the Brazil international.
Adhering to PSR regulations will become part and parcel of most clubs’ summer thinking, which may mean Leeds need to prioritise which positions are in urgent need of surgery.
On that front, Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen could replace Illan Meslier between the sticks, while Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Sam Johnstone may also add some Premier League experience if he were to join the ranks.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be excited as the Whites have another crack at the big time, even if the gap between Premier League and the rest of the football ladder is growing exponentially. Despite this, Leeds have now put themselves in contention to sign one of England’s leading marksmen in years gone by, per recent developments.
Leeds United make advances to sign Jamie Vardy
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are pursuing a deal for Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy, who is set to become a free agent once his contract at the King Power Stadium expires.
Known as one of the Premier League’s greatest modern-day heroes, the 38-year-old has scored 243 career goals for club and country and still believes he has something to offer in the top-flight, proving that with another strike against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
| Jamie Vardy’s 2024/25 campaign – all competitions | |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
The outlet state that Vardy’s potential destination is ‘more advanced than people may think’ and that Leeds are in the market for several options to strengthen their forward line. Burnley are also in pursuit of the former Three Lions international. Patrick Bamford could make way regardless in the coming window after emerging as a target for Wrexham.
Labelled “top-class” by Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Halifax man has still shown signs that he is a potent force in the Premier League, registering 24 shots on target this term.
Longevity probably isn’t what you’re going to get from Vardy at this stage, though his vast experience and know-how in front of goal makes him a compelling option for Farke as the Whites aim to build the foundations for a solid season.
