Anticipation is building for Leeds United supporters as their build-up to the 2025/2026 Premier League season intensified when July began on Tuesday.
This month will see the Whites return to the pitch with their first match against Manchester United on July 19 in Stockholm. Daniel Farke will be under no illusions of the task at hand to ensure this team manages to stay in the Premier League upon promotion.
The secret to managing that will be to make wise investments to their squad. Already, Farke has welcomed Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol to Elland Road with Sebastiaan Bornauw joining those two on Tuesday. As we now edge closer to the start of pre-season, Leeds Live has taken a closer look at a couple of rumours circulating around the club, while offering up our thoughts on each one;
Leeds handed Pope verdict
According to The Athletic, Leeds' hopes of signing Nick Pope this summer are now fading away. The Magpies are said to be close to signing James Trafford from the Whites' promotion rivals, Burnley, but even if he does arrive at St. James' Park, it is understood that Pope wants to stay in the north east and battle for that No.1 spot.
Leeds Live says: This is a hammer blow for the Whites - but it's not altogether surprising, either. Newcastle will be competing in the Champions League next season so there will be plenty of opportunities for Pope and Trafford to get minutes in goal. The concern for Leeds is that they are currently in no man's land as they look for a first-choice goalkeeper. Karl Darlow did well at the end of last term to step in for Illan Meslier, but neither man seems likely to be a regular starter in the Premier League. This is certainly a headache for Farke, and one that he will wish to treat quickly.
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell pictured before his loan to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell pictured before his loan to Crystal Palace. (Image: PA)
Chilwell backed for Leeds move
After losing Junior Firpo, following the expiry of his contract, broadcaster Ian Darke has backed Ben Chilwell as a good replacement for the Dominican Republic international. Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Darke explained: "It is only a big blow [losing Firpo] if they fail to find a good replacement.
"I suspect they have someone lined up, as people like [Aaron] Cresswell and Chilwell are on the market. Promoted clubs have an issue of getting better players to sign for a probable relegation fight; more average players will take the Premier League money and take their chances."
Leeds Live says: While Chilwell's experience is unquestionable, he would still be a gamble for Leeds especially if they are expecting him to fill the boots of Firpo. Injuries plagued the full-back from the beginning of 2024 and he was frozen out by Enzo Maresca for the first-half of last season. At Crystal Palace he was given more of a chance but he hardly managed to play regularly there. A full pre-season and a new environment could push Chilwell back towards his best - but it's certainly a gamble nevertheless.
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