Leeds United are returning to the promised land of English football. Daniel Farke’s men claimed the Championship title in dramatic fashion in the dying seconds of the final week of the season, snatching the trophy from Scott Parker’s Burnley on goal difference after both sides finished on a landmark 100 points.
It took the Yorkshire giants longer than expected to book their place back in the Premier League after losing the play-off final to Southampton last year, and their new ambitious owners will be keen to stay in the top-flight and not yo-yo back to the second tier.
Supporters looking to follow the club’s progress can check out where to find today’s fixtures and, if you’re feeling optimistic, you can also bet on football as Leeds look to cement their place among the elite once more.
There’s been plenty of talk around what 49ers Enterprises are going to do this summer to make survival a reality, so let’s take a look at what could be top of the to-do list for the club’s hierarchy—where major changes are already underway.
CEO Angus Kinnear has departed for Everton after a long stint at Elland Road, with former Premier League and FA chair Peter McCormick coming in as Executive Vice President.
Make a bold decision on the manager
Dismissing Farke after he just guided the club to a Championship title might seem extreme—but when it comes to the Premier League, sentiment rarely wins points. Farke’s top-flight record is far from inspiring: he took Norwich City down with just 21 points in 2019-20 and was sacked the following season after a dire start.
The 49ers will be wary of repeating Norwich’s fate, and rumours are already swirling that Farke may not lead Leeds into their first game back.
High-profile names like Ange Postecoglou—reportedly on his way out of Tottenham—and Jose Mourinho have been linked with the Elland Road hotseat. While Mourinho would be a blockbuster appointment, his recent managerial stints haven’t delivered long-term success.
Whoever Leeds turn to, it’ll need to be someone who can deliver results fast—and handle the pressure of a massive, expectant fanbase. Terminating Farke’s contract won’t be cheap, with two years remaining, but survival could justify the cost.
Invest wisely in the transfer market
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already highlighted the summer transfer window as pivotal to Leeds’ top-flight hopes. Reports suggest a transfer budget of around £100 million, giving the club real room to manoeuvre. The goal must be to blend experience with potential—not just adding bodies, but adding the right ones.
Everton’s Beto is a prime target. The striker, netted eight Premier League goals and could offer a physical, direct presence up front despite initial struggles on Merseyside. In goal, Caoimhin Kelleher may be tempted by the opportunity to finally escape Alisson’s shadow at Liverpool and become a No.1.
And don’t rule out further Merseyside movement—left-back Kostas Tsimikas could also be a shrewd addition if Leeds are looking to add depth and Premier League know-how.
Keep hold of key players
Recruitment is only half the battle. Retaining stars already at the club is just as important. The likes of Dan James, Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnoto and Joel Piroe were among the standout performers last season, and will be crucial to any hope of staying up.
Clubs will circle, particularly if Leeds don’t make their ambitions clear early on. The 49ers must offer reassurances—and the right contracts—to convince their top talents that the club is building for a sustainable future in the Premier League.
