Leeds add Cardiff analyst, Pascal Struijk contract stance explained, and Tarik Muharemovic deal in principle | OneFootball

Leeds United have hired Cardiff City’s head of first-team analysis Matthew Jenkins as first-team performance analyst.

According to Leeds Live, Jenkins joined Cardiff’s under-23s in 2018 and rose through the ranks.

Data underpins Leeds’ operations, with the 49ers’ model guiding recruitment. Tarik Muharemovic fits that, with a deal in principle pending wages and bonuses. He looks set to be the second summer addition after Harry Wilson.

Leeds had known for some time that Pascal Struijk would go. A substantially improved offer at season’s end was declined as he sought a new challenge, helping raise funds before the 30 June deadline. Without the FA Cup semi-final run and a 14th-place Premier League finish, more sales would have been needed.

Brighton paid an initial £18m for Struijk, and Muharemovic will cost almost double that.

Wales team-mates Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon encouraged Wilson during June camp and are delighted he has signed. The close friends holidayed in America and kept fit ahead of pre-season. On Monday, Wilson greeted team-mates during testing at Leeds Beckett University.

Ilia Gruev, back at testing, ended his season in April with a meniscus knee injury. With one year left on his deal, Leeds must decide on a renewal this summer. Popular for his community work, he invited young adults with learning difficulties to Thorp Arch this week and has said his motivation comes from his upbringing.

Source: Leeds Live