Leeds United head into the new Premier League campaign with cautious optimism, having secured survival last season and now aiming to build on a solid foundation under manager Daniel Farke. According to Guardian writers' preview, the Yorkshire club is predicted to finish 12th this term, an improvement on last season's 14th-place finish.
The common concern for newly promoted sides is a difficult second season back in the top flight, but there is a belief that Leeds could be well-equipped to avoid that fate. The club has strengthened significantly over the summer, most notably with the British-record £40m capture of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, along with a £34m move for Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.
Much of Leeds' attacking hopes will rest on the fitness of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was a standout performer last season despite the team's mid-table finish. He should also benefit from the service of Harry Wilson, who joined on a free transfer from Fulham and is expected to provide crucial assists.
Last season's survival came after a rocky start that had reportedly put Farke's position under scrutiny by November. However, a tactical shift to a 3-5-2 formation transformed the team's fortunes. From December onward, Leeds' form was strong enough that, had there been a standalone table for that period, they would have finished seventh in the league.
Farke has been encouraged by pre-season performances against tough opposition, though he remains measured in his expectations. "Pre-season has given us confidence," he said, while also tempering enthusiasm about the club's trajectory. "Everyone is talking of Europe and trophies but it's important we stay humble and grounded," he added. "In the last 25 years our highest Premier League finish has been ninth so we need to go step by step. The second year after promotion can be difficult and dangerous but we are hopeful we can have a good season."
Off the pitch, Elland Road is undergoing a major redevelopment overseen by the club's American owners, 49ers Enterprises — the investment arm of the NFL's San Francisco franchise. The project will expand capacity from 37,792 to 53,000, aiming to boost commercial revenue and ease the club's lengthy season ticket waiting list. The stadium is expected to remain operational throughout construction, though delays to a planned local tram network could complicate matchday logistics in an area already known for heavy traffic.
The ownership group has generally won praise from supporters for bringing stability after a turbulent period in the club's history. A leadership team featuring chair Paraag Marathe, managing director Robbie Evans, and sporting director Adam Underwood is seen as competent and financially prudent.
Farke, a 49-year-old former lower-league German striker turned coach, describes his personality as "95% coffee and cake on the sofa and 5% fire beast." Having guided Leeds to safety and an FA Cup semi-final in his first season, he has shed the reputation of being solely a promotion-or-relegation manager. He calls himself "a football romantic who has learned that romanticism shouldn't blind you to reality," adding: "My brand of football normally suits teams who dominate possession but I'm always switched on to what is necessary."
Muharemovic has impressed in pre-season, showcasing physical strength and composure on the ball, including a notable challenge against Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey that earned him the nickname "Bosnian King" among fans. Trafford, meanwhile, arrives with high expectations after shining at Burnley and serving as backup at Manchester City and with the England national team.
On the international stage, forward Noah Okafor saw limited action for Switzerland at the World Cup, appearing for just 25 minutes as his side reached the quarter-finals before losing to Argentina. Midfielder Brenden Aaronson featured for the United States as they advanced to the last 16, and also got married during a break from the team's training camp.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.