Leeds United Gears Up for 2025-26 Season: Ambitious White Squad Aims to Secure Extended Tenure in Premier League
Leeds United Prepare for Premier League Return Amid High Expectations
Leeds United's Season Preview issue is now available for free delivery at the website's store, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Peacocks. As they gear up for their return to the Premier League, the Yorkshire club faces a challenging season, with a 48% chance of relegation according to the Opta Supercomputer prediction model for the 2025/26 season [1][3].
The Premier League has evolved since Leeds last featured, with promoted teams finding it increasingly difficult to survive. In recent years, six newly promoted teams have gone straight back down [1][3]. Leeds' probability of survival is slightly better than some promoted sides like Sunderland, but still uncertain. Their chances may improve depending on their transfer window acquisitions and squad strength, while some rivals like Burnley have weakened after losing key players [1].
Historical context also matters. Leeds' past promotions in 1964 and 1990 preceded successful periods, fueling high expectations among fans and management. However, the pragmatic priority remains avoiding relegation, as no newly promoted team in the last six seasons has managed to stay up [4][5]. Media previews generally place Leeds finishing around 16th or 17th—just above the relegation zone [4][5].
One player being closely watched is Japan international Ao Tanaka, who was signed by Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf for approximately £3m. Tanaka was praised by Declan Rice and is being considered as a potential key player by Leeds United fans. However, the step up from the Championship to the Premier League may be a challenge for Tanaka [2].
Another player to keep an eye on is 16-year-old striker Harry Gray, the next prospect in the Leeds United-Gray dynasty. Plans for redeveloping Elland Road are also making supporters feel as if the Peacocks are finally moving into the 21st century [6].
Daniel Farke, the coach of Leeds United, will be under scrutiny due to past Premier League failures with Norwich. Red Bull Head of Global Soccer, Jurgen Klopp, is a potential replacement for Farke if he were to leave Leeds United. Ilia Gruev, an underrated player for Leeds United, brings control to the midfield, while Illan Meslier was the primary reason Leeds United wasn't promoted by March in the previous season [7].
Leeds United had a delirious parade through the city after winning the Championship, which served as a reminder of what was missed during the COVID-affected triumph of 2020. The author, Joe Mewis, predicts that Leeds United will finish 16th in the upcoming season [8]. Despite the challenges ahead, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation among Leeds United fans, with a desire for the upcoming season to go well, after the disappointing 2022-23 season [9].
References:
- BBC Sport
- The Athletic
- The Guardian
- Sky Sports
- The Telegraph
- Yorkshire Evening Post
- Leeds Live
- Joe Mewis
- Leeds Live
The Premier League return of Leeds United, amid high expectations, will see them compete in sports like football. Leeds United's new player, Ao Tanaka, is being eyed as a potential key player, despite the significant leap from the Championship to the Premier League.
