Leeds United’s future as a Premier League outfit will all depend on their next seven games, with the end of the campaign now rapidly appearing on the horizon.
The Whites currently sit four points clear of the relegation zone at present, with a final-day showdown with West Ham United potentially having a huge bearing on their survival hopes.
Boss Daniel Farke has certainly proved a lot of doubters wrong in recent months, subsequently leading the club on a run of just four defeats in 19 matches.
farke-leeds
However, the German’s future in the role could all depend on what happens before the end of May, with survival undoubtedly still his main aim at present.
He’s shaped his squad over the last couple of months, even moving numerous players on who simply don’t fit his current three-back system at Elland Road.
Jack Harrison’s failed return to Leeds in 2025/26
Upon promotion back to the Premier League last season, winger Jack Harrison was reinstated into the first-team ranks, after spending two years on loan at Everton.
At the time, the decision proved to be an unpopular one with the fanbase, with the 29-year-old being booed by supporters upon his return to action in pre-season.
Jack-Harrison
Many felt that the Englishman had jumped ship after relegation to the Championship, but Farke decided to hand the attacker a second chance at Elland Road.
However, his return to Yorkshire has been anything but plain sailing, subsequently featuring just 11 times before January, with only one of which coming from a starting role.
Harrison’s biggest contribution was fouling Omari Hutchinson and conceding a penalty in the defeat against Nottingham Forest in December - a pretty damning feat to say the least.
The attacker’s return has been nothing short of a disaster, with the manager already losing patience with him - as seen with his loan move to Fiorentina in the winter window.
The Leeds player who’s becoming the next Jack Harrison
On the whole this season, Leeds have been a credit to the Premier League, with their home form at Elland Road handing the side a fighting chance of securing survival.
The German’s decision to switch to a back-three has certainly played a huge part - also allowing numerous players to reach the next level of their career.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke arrives before the match
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has endured a purple patch in front of goal over recent months, even netting six goals in six games - resulting in an England call-up.
The likes of Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon have all also cemented their place in the starting eleven and now look irreplaceable under Farke at present.
However, the same can’t be said for attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who has massively struggled despite the faith shown in him by the manager in recent months.
The American international has featured 30 times for the Whites so far this term, subsequently managing to register seven combined goals and assists in that period.
Brenden-Aaronson-2
Despite his impressive numbers, the 25-year-old has struggled to catch the eye for the right reasons in recent weeks, raising questions about his starting role.
Aaronson has now failed to score or assist in any of his last 12 games across all competitions, undoubtedly a reason as to why the side have now gone four games without a goal.
During his last four games in the Premier League, he’s only been able to register two chances created and failed to place a single shot on target - further highlighting his struggles in attacking areas.
Comparisons to Harrison could certainly be made at present, with the attacking midfielder now struggling to provide the goods within the final third of the pitch.
Brenden Aaronson - stats against Brentford
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Possession lost
Dribbles completed
Touches in 18-yard box
Duels won
Another similarity between the pair is their respective loan spells away from Yorkshire before coming back to Elland Road - with neither fully getting the supporters back on board.
The £25m fee to secure his signature back in the summer of 2022 now looks to be a huge waste of money, with the American currently sitting as the club’s second-highest addition.
Aaronson
Given his struggles in the Premier League, the hierarchy would be lucky to receive a fraction of the transfer fee back for his signature - especially if they look to sell him this summer.
Harrison and Aaronson are two players who desperately need to be offloaded by the board, with both ultimately not at the level required for success in the Premier League.
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