Leeds United's return to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season marks their 16th season in the competition and 54th in the English top flight. After a successful 2024-25 campaign where they clinched the EFL Championship title with 100 points, managed by Daniel Farke, the Peacocks are preparing for the challenges of the Premier League.

Last Season Review

Leeds United secured automatic promotion to the Premier League after finishing first in the EFL Championship. They scored 95 goals while conceding only 30, achieving a goal difference of 65. The team experienced only four league defeats and clinched the title on the final day of the season with a 90th-minute winner against Plymouth Argyle. Joël Piroe was the club's top scorer with 19 league goals. Daniel James and Manor Solomon recorded double-digit goal and assist numbers, while Wilfried Gnonto was named the club's Young Player of the Year.

Summer Transfers

Leeds United have been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in seven players from both domestic and international teams. As of August 7, 2025, their total spending amounted to £74.7 million, while income from outgoing transfers totaled £5 million, resulting in a net loss of £69.7 million.

Key Arrivals:

• Lukas Nmecha (free transfer from Wolfsburg)
• Jaka Bijol (£15 million from Udinese)
• Sebastiaan Bornauw (£5.1 million from Wolfsburg)
• Gabriel Gudmundsson (£10 million from Lille)
• Sean Longstaff (£12 million from Newcastle United)
• Anton Stach (£17 million from Hoffenheim)
• Lucas Perri (£15.6 million from Lyon)

Lucas Perri is the most expensive goalkeeper signing since Nigel Martyn in 1996.

Key Departures:

• Rasmus Kristensen (£5 million to Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Josuha Guilavogui (free)
• Junior Firpo (free to Real Betis)
• Max Wober (loan to Werder Bremen)
• Mateo Joseph (loan to Mallorca)
• Joe Gelhardt (loan to Hull City)

Key Players to Watch

• Dan James: Had a stellar 2024-25 season, rewarding perseverance with improved end product.
• Ilia Gruev: Quietly brought another level of control to the midfield.
• Harry Gray: A 16-year-old striker who is the next in line from the Leeds United-Gray dynasty.
• Jaka Bijol: The center-back joined the Whites this summer for £15 million.

Daniel Farke's Challenge

Daniel Farke's position as manager came under scrutiny despite winning the Championship. Although he has a proven track record in the Championship, his Premier League experience with Norwich City raises concerns. Farke is aware of the need to strengthen the team, particularly in the attack.

Objectives and Predictions

The primary aim for Leeds United is to avoid relegation and secure their place in the Premier League. Some pundits, like Stan Collymore, believe Leeds have what it takes to survive, predicting a 17th-place finish. However, others such as Joe Cole, Alan Shearer, and Owen Hargreaves, anticipate an immediate return to the Championship for the club. A supercomputer also predicts that Leeds United will be immediately relegated.

Fan Perspective

Leeds United fans recognize the importance of Premier League survival. The club's history fuels aspirations for more than just avoiding relegation, but the immediate goal is to establish themselves in the top flight.

Overall

Leeds United's success in the 2025-26 Premier League season will depend on how well the new signings integrate into the team, the performance of key players, and Daniel Farke's ability to adapt his tactics to the top tier of English football. The club has invested significantly in strengthening the squad, but the challenge of staying in the Premier League remains a difficult task.