Leeds United's remarkable transformation under Daniel Farke has been built on a deliberate strategy of adding size and physicality to a squad once considered too small for the demands of the Premier League.
Ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window, Farke worked alongside new sporting director Adam Underwood to reshape the squad with taller, more robust players capable of withstanding the physical rigours of English top-flight football. Of the ten permanent signings brought in, eight stood over six feet tall: Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Justin, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, Lucas Perri and Anton Stach.
Speaking last July, Farke explained the thinking behind the recruitment drive. "I wouldn't say it's coincidence that they are all tall players but, of course, if you join the Premier League and you have one of the smallest groups, you expect that probably there is more pressure on you than there was in the Championship," he said. "You have to make sure that you're also good in defending crosses."
The emphasis on height and strength continued into this year, when Leeds lost centre-back Pascal Struijk to Brighton. In response, Farke brought in two World Cup-bound defenders, Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic and Switzerland's Nico Elvedi, to shore up the backline. Muharemovic in particular has impressed, featuring in every league minute so far this season, despite an error that gifted Newcastle a late consolation through Bazoumana Toure.
Behind him stands goalkeeper James Trafford, who at 6ft 5in became the most expensive British goalkeeper in history for a second time after his £40m move from Manchester City. The additions have also been complemented by the free transfer signing of Harry Wilson from Fulham, regarded as one of last season's standout Championship performers.
The impact of this rebuild has been significant. Leeds endured a torrid start to the 2025-26 campaign, losing eight of their opening 13 league matches and slipping to 18th in the table — a stark contrast to the previous season, when they won the Championship title ahead of Burnley. At that low point, there was genuine speculation that Farke could lose his job.
Since overhauling the squad, however, Leeds have tightened up considerably at the back. Among clubs ever-present in the division this season, only champions Arsenal, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals than Farke's side.
The defensive solidity has also had a knock-on effect further forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin emerging as the biggest beneficiary. Since last December, only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Joao Pedro have scored more Premier League goals than Calvert-Lewin's 14. Previously used as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 system with limited support, the former Everton forward has flourished playing alongside a strike partner, often Nmecha or Okafor — the latter contributing seven goals and an assist in his last 11 league outings.
Despite regularly switching between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formations, Farke has found a system that suits his personnel. "I enjoy having bodies around me," Calvert-Lewin said of his revitalised role.
With Crystal Palace visiting Elland Road, Calvert-Lewin has the chance to become the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive home league games since Arthur Hydes in 1932. Having already netted three goals in all competitions this season, he could also be in contention for an England recall when Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.