After storming to the Championship last season, Leeds United return to the Premier League with mixture of hope and trepidation. Their preparations for the 2025/26 season will see the club take on major European opposition (plus Manchester United), with high-profile friendlies arranged against old rivals Manchester United, Villarreal, and AC Milan. With matches hosted in Sweden, England, and Ireland, the tour celebrates not just the return to the top flight, but also the depth and reach of the club’s international support. However, despite the promising schedule, Leeds’ pre-season hasn’t come without setbacks.
A planned pre-season tour to Germany, intended to build on last summer’s successful training camp, has unfortunately been overshadowed by logistical setbacks yet again. Leeds had arranged multiple fixtures, with venues and opposition confirmed well in advance, supported by written assurances from both the German FA and tour organisers. However local police and authorities informed the club that no permits would be granted for matches with spectators. Worse still, they prohibited live streaming, real-time updates, and even discouraged supporter travel. Despite Leeds' efforts to find solutions including exploring last-minute venue changes, the restrictions proved too significant to overcome.
But despite this, pre-season for the fans kicks off in just three weeks’ time, as Leeds compete in their first of three high-profile summer friendlies.
Manchester United
19th July 2025 | Strawberry Arena, Stockholm
Leeds begin their public pre-season campaign in Stockholm against arch-rivals Manchester United. Scandinavia has one of the largest overseas Leeds United followings, dating back to the club’s glory years under Don Revie. The fixture is expected to draw thousands of Swedish fans, turning the Strawberry Arena into a lively mix of Scandinavian and travelling support. Facing Premier League opposition so early in the summer will be a key test of Daniel Farke’s system, fitness levels, and tactical sharpness. While the rivalry may be muted by friendly status, the atmosphere in Stockholm is sure to echo the fierce passion that defines this historic fixture.
Villarreal
2nd August 2025 | Elland Road
Leeds then return home to Elland Road to face Villarreal, a side known for their technical strength and tactical discipline. The match will serve as the first chance for home supporters to see their team in Premier League mode, including potential new signings such as Jaka Bijol alongside returning stars like Daniel James and Willie Gnonto. With a packed house expected and the buzz of promotion still fresh, it will be both a celebration and a critical dress rehearsal. Villarreal will offer a different kind of challenge, more continental, possession-oriented—and Farke is likely to use the match to fine-tune his starting eleven.
AC Milan
9th August 2025 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin
The final fixture of the tour sees Leeds travel to Dublin to take on European giants AC Milan. Ireland has a deep and long-standing connection with Leeds United, thanks to club legends like Johnny Giles, Gary Kelly, and Ian Harte, and this match is expected to feel like a home game. However, Milan are due to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge just one day later, meaning their Dublin line-up may be weakened or rotated. Even so, a clash against a Milan XI in front of tens of thousands of Irish Leeds fans at the Aviva Stadium promises a special occasion and a powerful send-off before the Premier League season begins.
Despite the disappointment of the closed-door camp in Germany, Leeds United’s 2025 pre-season schedule still offers exciting fixtures and chances to watch the team before the new season begins. The three major friendlies are not only meaningful tests but also a celebration of the club’s return to the top flight and a chance for the large fanbases in Sweden and Ireland to see the team in the flesh. With the Premier League kick-off looming on 18th August, Leeds will be hoping this summer’s friendly fixtures will give them a boost before the new season begins.