The 49ers aimed to rebuild Leeds United in the Premier League under Daniel Farke’s tutelage, which is why they have signed 10 players.
Making Premier League football stick is the key, which is why Leeds United returned to the Premier League with a flurry of activity in the 2025 summer transfer window.
They were aiming to build a squad with the experience, physicality, and depth required for survival under Farke. However, many Leeds fans have been left frustrated after deadline day and the fiasco of not signing at least one attacker as Farke asked.
Farke still hoping for 2 more signings before Monday night. Didn’t comment when asked about Buonanotte.
“There’s always hope.” when asked about additions before window closes. #LUFC— Adam Pope (@apopey) August 30, 2025
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That said, their approach featured a blend of shrewd free transfers, targeted signings from European clubs, and strategic reinforcements across all areas of the pitch. It may not have been enough, but there is absolutely quality there.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesLeeds United’s best XI detailed
Leeds spent less than Sunderland and Burnley in the end but the amount of Premier League appearances in the Leeds squad compared with their promoted peers is substantial.
Farke has talked up tactical flexibility in the Premier League improving as well this season, albeit that has not been showcased in every single fixture thus far.
Given the size and power in the side, it’s fair to say that the 49ers appear to have done their Premier League research on what it takes to survive. However, many feel as though the Whites are one or two attackers short.
Leeds’ signings 2025/26
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It was a total spend of £108.5 million in the end, with every player 5’11” or taller, and every one of them also aged between 25 and 28. Anton Stach has been named the best Leeds signing of the lot, though.
Naturally, he is part of their best XI, and other new boys such as Gabriel Gudmundsson and Lucas Perri appear to have settled in the quickest regarding Farke’s plans but what actually is the best team he can field as an XI? We take a look, here.
Leeds United best XI 2025/26
Of course, some of them are obvious, but below we discuss the most contentious calls in terms of the team, including player profiles which blend best together.
The Jaka Bijol decision
Jaka Bijol will work his way into this team one way or another. The question is when not if but also for Joe Rodon or Pascal Struijk?
Both Struijk and Rodon were disappointing against Arsenal but have held their own well outside of that, and either would be a worthy partner for Bijol, as it merely comes down to the Welshman’s recovery pace in the end.
Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff
The approach alongside Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu is entirely a horses for courses one. There will be games where one of the players suits more than the other.
There are question marks over Tanaka’s physicality for Leeds at this level, but no such worries over Longstaff exist. In games Leeds dominate or play a bit more — Tanaka. In games where Leeds are up against it — Longstaff. Simple.
No Dan James for Leeds
Dan James’ intensity off the ball, speed in transition, and moments of real quality were evident in the Championship; but his upside is less pronounced in the top flight where more guile is required.
Willy Gnonto has never hit the same amount of goal contributions under Farke, but he should get more out of Jayden Bogle behind him and both Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in terms of his skill-set meshing with those players.