Leeds United strengthened their squad this summer with club-record signings as they prepare for a second Premier League season. The club spent £40 million on goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City and £34 million on centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. Manager Daniel Farke guided Leeds to 14th place last season after keeping them up, also steering the club to an FA Cup semi-final.
The second season following promotion from the Championship is traditionally difficult for clubs, but Farke suggested Leeds had learned lessons from their unconvincing start to last campaign. By November, Leeds had struggled enough that Farke's position came under scrutiny. After switching to a 3-5-2 formation, the team improved markedly, finishing 14th overall. Were there a separate table for the second half of the season, Leeds would have been seventh. "Pre-season has given us confidence," Farke said.
Farke acknowledged the challenge ahead while tempering expectations. "Everyone is talking of Europe and trophies but it's important we stay humble and grounded," he said. "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."
The club's owners, 49ers Enterprises, are overseeing a redevelopment of Elland Road to increase capacity from 37,792 to 53,000. The project aims to boost commercial revenue and reduce spending restrictions while modernising the stadium. A senior executive team comprising chair Paraag Marathe, managing director Robbie Evans, and sporting director Adam Underwood is focused on maintaining efficiency while adhering to financial rules.
Trafford, 23, was understudy to England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at Manchester City despite impressive performances in the Championship at Burnley. Muharemovic, also 23, impressed in pre-season and previously helped Sassuolo secure promotion from Serie B and a mid-table Serie A finish. Guardian writers predicted Leeds will finish 12th in the 2026-27 season.
