The Liam Bridcutt to Leeds United saga was a long, drawn-out affair with, so it seemed, with a few sticking points. The main one, seemingly, was over who pays what with Bridcutt’s wages (below).
got to the stage last week where Leeds and Sunderland were basically agreed on fee etc. (1/2)
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 10, 2016
So that was it. An agreement between the two clubs was in place, the headline fee was set for what Sunderland would accept and what Leeds would offer, the tumblers of the defensive midfield lock were all rattling into place. Yet still Leeds fans waited, waited and questioned, even spawning the hashtag #AnnounceBridcutt – some examples that can be seen below.
https://twitter.com/simon_orourke/status/765192662894911489
Could it happen today !!!#AnnounceBridcutt
— Man Up North (@highonahill123) August 15, 2016
It became a running joke amongst Leeds fans that the Bridcutt Saga was turning into the football equivalent of Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ – being both lengthy and drawn out. Leeds United even went to the lengths of leaving Bridcutt’s #26 shirt number open when they announced the squad numbers for this Championship campaign.
The weeks between were a heady mixture of rumour and the odd, reassuring news leak update from the likes of Joe Rawson and Phil Hay on Twitter. Whites fans were waiting for one thing, just one thing. Then Phil Hay delivered that one thing with the following Tweet.
Bingo – Liam Bridcutt to undergo a medical with Leeds United tonight. He's accepted a two-year contract. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 15, 2016
With this news, a huge sigh of relief could be imagined from Leeds fans, part in response to the actual signing and part in the relief that Leeds fans had that defensive lock that would protect a shaky central defence and provide a base to drive the Whites forward.
#BridBack – Leeds fans react on Twitter to end of Bridcutt transfer saga
Danny expresses the joy and happiness of most Leeds fans at this signing.
https://twitter.com/dannyisblack7/status/765222136931880961
Josh just wants that Bridcutt be signed and then given added responsibility.
Give Bridcutt the armband plz #lufc
— Josh Grainger (@joshgrainger16) August 15, 2016
Rob takes a swipe at the length and drawn-out nature of the proceedings.
Downside of this Bridcutt deal is it was 2 years from when we started negotiations so we can only have him for Saturday's game! #lufc
— Rob Dixon (@Reality_Rob) August 15, 2016
Ali has that Friday feeling already…four days early.
https://twitter.com/grayie_yra/status/765222121740046337
For Leeds fan Dave – who needs 140 characters.
Bridcutt baby!!!
— Dave Bown (@bowntime) August 15, 2016
Meanwhile, this Leeds fan lauds the impending signing but warns that it isn’t the be all and end all.
Great that we've got Bridcutt and it will improve us massively but it is not the solution. We still need more
— JWC. (@TheJackyCalv) August 15, 2016
This Leeds fan employs a little sarcasm in his response to the endgame drawing near.
Who's this fella Bridcutt? Just came out of the blue! #lufc
— Liam Tunney (@ismiseliam) August 15, 2016
Meanwhile Leeds fan Riot Badger has a tongue-in-cheek warning for over-eager fans.
BREAKING: Bridcutt may fail medical. pic.twitter.com/IsB1CmK1yi
— 𝗥𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗿 (@RiotBadger) August 15, 2016
Whilst not all Leeds fans are onboard about the particulars of the deal, there is some consternation over it being just a two-year deal, it is safe to say that it has become a signing well received.
As Liam Bridcutt becomes Leeds United’s ninth signing of the summer, it’s seemingly a case of ‘come in #26, your time is up’.
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