Premier League planning is well underway for Leeds United ahead of their return in 2025/26 following a two-year hiatus.
Leeds United need to acquire Premier League level talents, with the onus for Leeds clearly on physicality for the Premier League, as well as improving the technical base of the side.
Leeds and the 49ers have financial concerns already although the 49ers can pull other levers for Premier League headroom to make those signings, which will dictate their success next season.
Fortunately, one thing the club has already is that Leeds have a lot of Premier League experience in their squad compared to Burnley and Sunderland.
Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images
Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images
The four players Leeds United can start in the Premier League
Daniel Farke wants Premier League ready players, which is absolutely vital if they are to achieve survival and for Leeds to break the cycle of Premier League relegations.
But which players deserve their chance? Not many make the cut if Leeds are to survive the drop next term but we have picked out the four most obvious options to retain their starting berth consistently in 2025/26.
1) Jayden Bogle
Although there may be some concerns over his defensive awareness and limitations, few players stood out more than Jayden Bogle in the run-in.
His speed, athleticism, and engine are all aspects of his game which are useful for Premier League football. Leeds can operate with at least one attack-minded full-back as well.
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2) Joe Rodon
If Leeds sign a centre-back such as Jaka Bijol, then they will only be able to play with one of Pascal Struijk or Joe Rodon — with both being capable of making the step up.
We’ve opted for the Welshman due to his superior recovery pace and his power. Having said that, some games will suit Struijk’s aerial threat and distribution more.
Whichever Farke decides to go with will mean that Leeds have a quality player in reserve as depth. And that is exactly what the club should be looking to do.
3) Ethan Ampadu
Much like the centre of defence, it feels as though Leeds will sign a midfielder better than both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, meaning the club can only start with one.
Both were excellent in the promotion battle but only one is club captain and a natural defensive midfielder. Leeds will be doing much more defending next season and Ampadu’s leadership and physicality wins this one.
Tanaka can and will start plenty of games as well but Leeds should be looking to strengthen their engine room further with a stronger and more dominant player off the ball to complement Ampadu; it’s a no-brainer and Ampadu is the first name on the teamsheet.
4) Dan James
In exactly the same fashion as midfield and at the best of defence, Leeds should only be starting one winger out of Dan James and Willy Gnonto next season, meaning signing an upgrade of real quality is crucial.
The Italian is a better all-round player but James’ superior intensity off the ball will aid Leeds defensively and he also carries more of a transitional threat on the counter due to his speed.
The other wide player on the opposing flank ought to be a stronger, taller, and more powerful player. But Leeds cannot afford to feature James and Gnonto together all the time if they want added quality and real difference-makers in attack.
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds United have no time for sentimentality in the Premier League
Players such as Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson may have played well enough in the second tier, but Leeds have to upgrade this summer. It means being cutthroat with their squad.
That ruthlessness should be built on by a clear strategy in the market where Leeds could emulate other Premier League sides who have survived the drop and consolidated their place in recent years where others have not.
There is no time for sentiment and Leeds cannot afford to put too much faith in players who will simply not be good enough to start regularly next year. Making the Championship starters bench players will also raise the floor and ceiling of the team in equal measure.
That means Leeds would then have a core of around 15 players or so that they could rely on as being at least competent, which is the bare minimum required to have any chance of ending the cycle of nine promoted teams being relegated in a row.