Leeds begin their new Premier League campaign with a demanding trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but they also have more business to do.
The Whites finished 14th on their return to the top flight, but that final position did not tell the whole story. A difficult start gave way to a much more convincing run after Farke changed his system and placed greater emphasis on a back three.
That recovery has raised expectations at Elland Road, and Leeds now head to the City Ground looking more settled, more experienced and better equipped to avoid another early battle near the bottom.
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Leeds’ opening 10 Premier League games of the season |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Match |
Date |
Opponent |
Venue |
Kick off |
|
1 |
Saturday 22 August |
Nottingham Forest |
City Ground |
3pm |
|
2 |
Sunday 30 August |
Brentford |
Elland Road |
2pm |
|
3 |
Saturday 5 September |
Brighton & Hove Albion |
Amex Stadium |
3pm |
|
4 |
Monday 14 September |
Newcastle United |
Elland Road |
8pm |
|
5 |
Saturday 19 September |
Crystal Palace |
Elland Road |
3pm |
|
6 |
Saturday 10 October |
Arsenal |
Emirates Stadium |
3pm |
|
7 |
Saturday 17 October |
Manchester United |
Elland Road |
3pm |
|
8 |
Saturday 24 October |
Sunderland |
Stadium of Light |
3pm |
|
9 |
Saturday 31 October |
Bournemouth |
Vitality Stadium |
3pm |
|
10 |
Saturday 7 November |
Tottenham Hotspur |
Elland Road |
3pm |
The club have strengthened their spine during the summer, with goalkeeper James Trafford arriving from Man City, while Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi have added proven defensive options.
Harry Wilson has also joined on a free transfer to bring Premier League experience and extra quality in attacking areas.
There is still work to do at the other end of the pitch.
Leeds managed only 26 league goals from open play last season, while Joel Piroe has since moved to West Ham on loan. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains an important figure through the middle, but Farke needs a consistent source of goals and creativity from several areas of his team.
Forest should provide a stern opening test. Oliver Glasner is starting his first full season at the City Ground and will want his players to make an immediate statement in front of their own supporters.
Leeds are also expected to be without Wilfried Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson, reducing Farke’s options for the first weekend.
The game could offer an early indication of whether Leeds have enough pace and invention out wide, but their latest transfer move suggests that question is already being addressed behind the scenes.
Leeds rival Coventry City for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk with talks opened
Leeds are now in talks with Chelsea over a loan move for Mykhailo Mudryk, according to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
The Yorkshire club have reportedly seen their opening loan bid turned down, but negotiations are continuing. Chelsea’s decision does not appear to have ended the pursuit, although Leeds may have to alter the financial terms or structure of any temporary deal.
They are not the only possible destination for the Ukraine international.
Strasbourg remain in contention, while newly-promoted Coventry City are also keen. Brentford previously explored a move, but that route is now considered unlikely.
Mudryk, who Xabi Alonso branded a ‘special player‘ in pre-season, is available to play again after his doping case was resolved this summer.
The 25-year-old had been out of competitive action since November 2024, before making his return for Chelsea during their preseason programme against Juventus.
A loan would give him the chance to rebuild his sharpness and secure regular minutes. Leeds, meanwhile, would be adding a winger known for his speed and willingness to attack defenders from the left.
No agreement has yet been reached and Chelsea have already rejected one attempt. However, Leeds’ interest is described as serious, making Mudryk a name to watch as Farke looks for another attacking option before the window closes.