Daniel Farke, Adam Underwood, Alex Davies and The 49ers have some big decisions to make this summer and it starts with which Leeds United players are able to produce in the Premier League.
Leeds have been promoted as champions, accumulating 100 points. Just four losses throughout the 2024-25 season, Leeds’ best-ever points tally in a solitary campaign and Daniel Farke deserves plenty of praise.
But there is a chasm between the Championship and the Premier League, and it’s widening. That has been proven once again by the three promoted sides hardly putting up a fight and suffering relegation.
Leeds are one of three clubs that will try to show there is still a chance the gap can be bridged next term. But the decision makers must start by deciding which players can make an impact in England’s top tier.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
Adam Pope says only seven Leeds players can perform in the PL
Leeds are awash with Premier League experience, for a Championship side. Certainly, there are more players to have played in England’s top tier, than there are who haven’t and yet, recruitment is required.
Speaking to BBC Sport on Tuesday, commentator Adam Pope believes there are only seven players that currently reside at Leeds capable of making the step up to the Premier League ahead of 2025-26.
“Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Dan James I believe will cope in the Premier League,” Pope said, perhaps overlooking Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon as they are on loan.
Pope continued: “Willy Gnonto has the potential to be fulfilled, whilst Joel Piroe’s finishing is top drawer even if he may lack the lightning pace one associates with the top-flight,” the Leeds commentator added.
Photo by Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty Images
Photo by Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty Images
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Is Adam Pope right or has he missed any from the list?
There is no doubt that Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Dan James and Joe Rodon can do a job in the Premier League. Pascal Struijk is good but not great, and has suffered injuries in his last two seasons at Leeds.
Joel Piroe often goes missing whilst being a superior finisher, and the jury remains out on the Dutchman given he has never played in the Premier League. Gnonto’s age will work to his advantage this summer.
But his verdict is possibly harsh on full-backs Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo. The duo have excelled this season, with Bogle named in the Championship Team of the Year – and Firpo frustrated to miss out.
Other than that, the likes of Ilia Gruev, Illan Meslier or Karl Darlow, Largie Ramazani, Brenden Aaronson, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford will have to prove when – if – they get a chance, they can do it.