Leeds United still have plenty of work to do but Daniel Farke’s side have made seven signings so far in the transfer window.
The 49ers and the recruitment team are in the process of securing more additions to bolster their ranks ahead of a huge upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season.
Given that the last six promoted clubs have all been relegated, Leeds United will know that they have their work cut out. However, should they nail their window, then the Whites could buck the trend.
At least four more signings are needed for Leeds and Farke to be able to compete at the level they desire, with attackers particularly needed to make a significant difference at the top of the pitch.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke’s best Leeds lineup as of 04/08/2025
Leeds still need those attacking differentials but they can name a strong enough starting XI with everyone fit, with the Everton opening fixture now less than two weeks away.
Match-winners are on the agenda but Leeds’ spine is evidently a strong area of the side, with Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw dramatically increasing the height, quality, and physicality in that area.
Therefore, staying in games should be far easier than the last few seasons in the English top flight. Leeds conceded 54 in the season they finished ninth under Marcelo Bielsa, 79 when they survived in 2021/22, and 78 when relegated in 2023.
With everyone fit and free of suspension, we believe that the above is the best Leeds currently have to offer in terms of a starting XI. But just how does that current line-up compare to the first and last games of the relegation campaign? We take a look, here.
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Leeds’ first and last lineups of the 2022/23 relegation season in the Premier League
Leeds beat Wolves 2-1 on Premier League opening day in 2023, and the team looks eerily similar in terms of the size and athleticism within it to the current squad at Farke’s disposal.
The team perhaps lacked a little creativity at the top of the pitch and in the full-back areas, but it had serious power and intensity off the ball — which Jesse Marsch certainly craved.
It looked like a team which could compete, given it could stay fit. However, Leeds’ bench left a lot to be desired. Unused substitutes included Archie Gray, Leo Hjelde, Darko Gyabi, and Cody Drameh.
The likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Mateusz Klich, and Crysencio Summerville were brought on. However, the 2025 team undoubtedly has more depth in defensive areas and in central midfield currently.
The major contrast can be seen more for Sam Allardyce’s team of few attackers and no real creative outlets to end the season with a whimper against Tottenham Hotspur during a 4-1 defeat at Elland Road.
Leeds fielded a team of six players who are comfortable at playing centre-back that day, and a further two players who have featured in more defensive-minded midfield roles.
It’s fair to say that Leeds have come a long way since then, given the squad they have now — even an unfinished team has more about it than the latter lineup.
The West Yorkshire outfit still need a difference-maker or two, and a reliable and consistent striker, but they aren’t far away from a seriously strong newly-promoted team.
Two weeks today, they will be facing Everton at Elland Road; could there be more changes to their lineup? We’ll have to find out…