Leeds United

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We asked for your views on what one thing needs to change at Leeds United before the new campaign and why.

Here are some of your comments:

Sam: Strong identity of how we are going to play, leading to positive recruitment and a clearout of those who don't appear to have a place in that system. This may mean players who are favourably looked upon moving on: Piroe, Gnonto, James, etc.

Graham: The club needs to get rid of those players who are not up to the mark and there's several of them and make sure that any incoming players are of sufficient proven qualities to add positively to the team. In the past there have been too many just making up numbers. Now's the time for quality, not quantity, of playing staff.

Mike: A proven goalscorer alongside Calvert-Lewin. We have the creativity, just someone to help put it in the back of the net.

Eric: After the fantastic news about Ampadu re-signing a long-term contract, the next important step is to secure Farke's contract. In the transfer window, we need a proven striker and goalkeeper, any additions after that will hopefully be a bonus to the wider squad availability, but the management and recruitment team need to act swiftly to secure any new personalities ready for the start of the new season. Leave it too late and we will miss out on the top players that are available.

Ben: Farke's timing of substitutions needs to change. Someone needs to sit down with all last season's matches and make him see that leaving it as late as he does costs us points.

Liam: I'd like to see Longstaff given a chance to secure a first-team role; he had a calming influence on the midfield when he came on at the end of games last season and has a wicked eye for goal too. Also, I think it's the end of the road for Aaronson. He's a great guy and runs his heart out for Leeds, but we need to buy a new number 10 who can deliver lots of assists and a few goals.

Lar: Would love to see a new centre forward, midfield strengthening and a centre-back.

Kev: Four new quality players who are not just benchwarmers. Three or four out. Good progress on the stadium redevelopment and make it easier for everyone to get a ticket.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

The boutique Ham Yard hotel in Soho, London was the setting for Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe to provide a rare moment in this multi-media age - a club breaking its own news.

Relaxed, but with genuine enthusiasm, Marathe gave it the full "four more years" treatment when revealing club captain Ethan Ampadu was locked and loaded at Elland Road until the summer of 2030. A deal which he hopes will attract others.

"The ink is already dry. He represents everything we want on and off the pitch. It's a great signal to the market as to what we are about," he said.

Then, using a train analogy of essentially being on the same track, he revealed he and manager Daniel Farke were on a path which he feels could continue for a few stops yet: "We're absolutely aligned and my hope and expectation is that he's here for many years to come."

In terms of his role in signings this summer, Marathe says Farke will be integral.

Referring to his recruitment department who he was keen to praise, the chairman insisted, "everybody has a say in this", before adding: "And of course Daniel is absolutely instrumental.

"We're never going to sign a player that Daniel doesn't want or who doesn't fit Daniel's system. By the same way, if a player costs a billion pounds then I'm going to veto it. We're going to be very strategic how we go about it."

The new 'Squad Cost Ratio' financial parameters Marathe admitted, in the short term, will be restrictive, but he insisted the club will still be able to do what is required.

There will be a healthy churn of players, but amidst the difficulty of seeing some depart it will be part of a strategy to sign more invention, compared to the physicality which characterised last summer's recruitment drive.

"It's a bit different because the bar is higher, so maybe a few more creative players to come in and help us," he said.

But whoever comes in, on or off the pitch, has to comply with the culture and have a certain DNA, according to Marathe: "There's something special about playing or working for Leeds United. It's bigger than all of us, it's going to outlast all of us and will outlive all of us. So I don't want players, coaches, staff or owners who are just viewing it from a distance.

"It's like you've really got to own it... If you have that little extra gear because you know what it means to be Leeds United then we're all going to be better off."

Hear the full interview with Marathe on BBC Sounds

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

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Leeds United expect to target additional quality in the summer transfer market, with chairman Paraag Marathe confident the squad is now strong enough that individuals with an "extra level" now need to be added.

Marathe has given a detailed interview to BBC Radio Leeds and in it, he explained securing captain Ethan Ampadu on a long-term deal was a "signal to the market" that the club are moving with ambition.

Last summer, the Whites recruited several players - with an emphasis on physicality - in a bit to stay in the Premier League.

Now, Marathe says the "bar is higher" for signings.

He told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope: "This coming season and window is about improving the squad even more, so it requires an extra level to be able to come into the squad and earn minutes right away. So we will be pursuing players that have that extra level to them and that's our plan.

"We are going to be very strategic about it. We know we will improve the squad. There'll be a number of ins and probably a handful of outs as well.

"We have such a good squad. You hate to have any outs at all. The reality is there are only a certain number of minutes in any playing squad. For any club you have to have some healthy amount of churn. It's always uncomfortable.

"There will be hopefully some differentiated players, maybe a few more creative players to help us. But the bar is high and we have to chase that level."

Marathe praised Leeds' recruitment team for their work last season, stating some of the staff were doubted in the transfer market given a perceived lack of experience.

He expects changes in financial rules - as the Premier League moves to a Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) instead of the Profit and Sustainability (PSR) - to briefly hinder the Whites.

SCR is in force for the 2026-27 season. The new framework limits Premier League clubs' on-pitch spending to 85% of their football-related revenue and net profit/loss from player sales., external

"In the short term PSR gave more flexibility than SCR does," Marathe explained.

"In two or three years time we will be in a better advantageous position than PSR. In the short-term it's maybe a bit more restrictive but we are still able to do what we need to do."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Ex-Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe has paid tribute to the club's owners for a fantastic season and investment being made in Elland Road.

Work has started on the redevelopment of the West Stand at Elland Road.

The new stand, which will be built over the existing structure, will help the Yorkshire club transform their ground into one fit to exist among the highest standards of stadiums in European football.

Image source, Lucas Radebe

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It is quite possible that nobody alive today has watched more football than Marcelo Bielsa.

The 70-year-old is one of the most respected and influential coaches in the game, and that reputation has been earned from his borderline obsessive dedication to preparation for every single match he oversees.

Bielsa was appointed Leeds United boss in 2018.

He would go on to once again transform players as he famously guided the West Yorkshire club to promotion back to the Premier League in 2019-20.

Another key aspect of Bielsa's coaching philosophy is being humble.

He has always been keen to make sure the players he coached knew they had privileged jobs. He would look for ways to remind them that not everyone shared the same luxuries in life.

"Much was made of a story about [Leeds] players being made to collect litter near the ground," says Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, who spent time observing Bielsa's coaching methods at Leeds.

"It was done so they could realise that the world was not made up of people living in elitist and privileged bubbles, but rather 'normal' human beings who had to work very hard.

"It's all about setting high standards that will stay with the club long after he has gone."

Read more on Bielsa here

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

With all 48 World Cup squads now confirmed, we look at how they shape up and compare with each other leading into the tournament.

Which clubs have the most players?

Looking just at the 20 clubs that made up the 2025-26 Premier League, only this season's top three have more players at the World Cup than Conference League winners Crystal Palace (12).

Including players out on loan over the season, Sunderland remarkably have as many representatives on the global stage as Chelsea and Liverpool (11), showing just how globe-trotting their recruitment was following promotion last summer.

The majority of Brentford, Everton and Leeds' squads can put their feet up and recharge their batteries for next season, with those clubs sending just four players each.

• Get more key stats on participation

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Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe says he hopes Daniel Farke is manager "for years to come".

In an extensive interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Marathe discussed the German boss' role, player recruitment and Elland Road's future.

In May, Farke said he is "not the right choice" to remain in charge of the club if they fail to match his ambition.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope, Marathe said: "I hope Daniel is here, not just this coming season but many beyond that. No-one needs to convince each other about a plan and ambition because we all have it.

"Leeds United is bigger than me, him - all of us. We have it going on a track, we just need to not have it derailed.

"We are absolutely aligned. My hope and expectation is that he is here for years to come."

Marathe warned there would be "no complacency" at Leeds this summer after the club survived in the Premier League thanks to impressive form in 2026.

Farke's punchy news conference in mid-May generated headlines as the head coach explained he wants to do more than beat the drop in future.

He pointed to a former "three-year plan" but challenged the club to show ambition in its next chapter.

Marathe added: "When Daniel and I got together three years ago and thought about how we could come together, the goal at that time was getting back to the Premier League and wanting to show we belonged. So in some ways, yes, the first chapter is complete.

"I love and appreciate Daniel's ambition. I am ambitious too. Daniel doesn't need to sell me the next three-year plan and ambition, and I don't have to sell to him. We have put the club on the right train track, going in the right direction at the right speed."

Asked what he hopes is the situation at the club a year from now, Marathe added: "Tomorrow is better than today. I just want next year to be better than this year. I am not talking about a number of points, I am talking about we continue to build."

The chairman said naming rights for Elland Road have so far not been contemplated as a revenue source. You can hear about this and his ideas on transfers in the full interview.

Listen to Marathe in conversation with BBC Radio Leeds here

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe sat down for a conversation with BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope to discuss survival, the manager, transfer windows and the future of the club.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

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Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has signed a new four-year deal to extend his stay at Elland Road until 2030.

The Wales international says he is "very pleased" to have his future at the club sorted with him entering the final year of his previous contract.

Since arriving at Elland Road from Chelsea in 2023, the 25-year-old has made 126 appearances and scored three goals.

Speaking to the club's website after signing the new deal, Ampadu said: "It is very exciting times and very pleased to have it sorted and out of the way. And now we can concentrate on hopefully building on what has been, especially the last two years, something very positive.

"We obviously knew that starting from the Championship the aim was to get promoted. We always had the ambition that we were going to achieve that. So, to have the second year and become champions and enjoy that with the whole city was amazing. And then especially last year, to be one of the teams to stay up for the first couple of seasons was massive. That was the target."

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds about the new deal for the club captain, club chairman Paraag Marathe said: "It is great to have our captain locked up and here.

"He represents everything we want on and off the pitch and I think it's a great signal to the market, in advance to the transfer window as well, about what we're about as a club."

Listen to Marathe's chat on Ampadu's new deal here, external

Find the full interview with Marathe on BBC Sounds

The 2026-27 Premier League season will be here before we know it, with the first matches taking place on Saturday, 22 August.

We have a simple question for you - what one thing needs to change at your club before the new campaign and why?

It can be a player, manager, ticketing issue, owner, or wider change.

Let us know in detail here

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BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan believes the Whites' need to carry out work on redeveloping Elland Road has been "enhanced" because of new Squad Cost Ratio rules that will be introduced into the league for next season.

Overall squad costs will have to be limited to 85% of a club's revenue, although teams competing in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's maximum of 70%.

Squad costs comprise player and manager wages, transfer fees and agents' fees.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Buchan said: "We know the club have been very proactive with this, in terms of we know beforehand with PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], they were always trying to skirt the line, be tight on it and spend every penny they could, and we know they'll be doing the same with the SCR as well.

"It also enhances the need for the stadium development. Again, that is going to increase your capacity to spend because either is going to increase your football income. And it also shows why they cannot afford to lose a single seat during the build of the West Stand.

"If you suddenly lost all the income of the West Stand now, while you rebuild a side of your stadium, that is going to affect the percentages for the next few years. That is why they are determined not to lose a seat of hospitality or general admission during the next few years when the stadium's being built."

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope added: "We know statistically it is very difficult to stay up for two years, never mind one year.

"It's so important that Leeds continue to evolve and keep that money coming in to make sure SCR is adhered to, which, in the immediate term, doesn't do as many favours as PSR did but down the line it should be OK. That's why you would've heard they voted against it initially, as other clubs did too."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds and subscribe to all Leeds audio content here

Image source, Leeds United

Leeds United have announced work has started on the redevelopment of the West Stand at Elland Road, describing it as a "momentous moment" in their history.

The new stand, which will be built over the existing structure, will help the Yorkshire club transform their ground into one fit to exist among the highest standards of stadiums in European football.

In the club's statement on Wednesday, they said: "Increasing the capacity of the stadium is vital for the future, with the club having a now strong 32,000 Season Ticket waiting list.

"It will also allow Leeds United, alongside civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events in the future, generating significant cultural and economic value for the Leeds City Region.

" For players, the enhanced stadium environment will provide a stage befitting elite-level football, strengthening the club's ability to compete at the highest level and attract top talent. "

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes two of the "key" issues for the club to sort this summer is the futures of boss Daniel Farke and captain Ethan Ampadu.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope says he thinks Farke has been "essential" to Leeds' progress and the captain is this side's "most important player".

Both are still under contract at Elland Road but only have a year left until their deals expire.

On the issues the club must sort as soon as possible, Pope said: "The two things, Farke himself, the manager who is still under contract, so is Ethan Ampadu, and we know the relationship between the two of them is really important because he's his most important player. Farke's been essential to this progress for Leeds United as well.

"For me, they're the two key things going forward, and it's retaining players."

Pope thinks Leeds may also feel a "difficult juggle" in what players may leave in order to raise funds for transfers.

He added: "I think that if they want to make some room to bring some quality players in, then they'd have to sell some players too. But I think this summer is very much about quality over quantity.

"There are three key areas we've talked about a lot on this podcast, I'm including the goalkeeper in that too. That would be essential, and with the amount of money that we think we're talking, then it doesn't go that far. But Leeds have a core of players that can keep them in the division and have evolved this year as well and will probably be able to do a little bit better, but they just need that sprinkle of quality to go with them, and I think that's where they will be focusing this summer."

Listen to the full podcast below or on BBC Sounds

Find more Leeds content here

In a new BBC Sport documentary, James Milner reflects on a career that has ended at 40, after making a record 658 Premier League appearances with six different clubs.

Team-mates and coaches reveal the drive behind 24 years at the top.

Watch below or on BBC iPlayer here

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Leeds' Daniel James says it has been "really big" for him to play the minutes he has in what was a "brilliant season" for the Whites.

Despite missing two months with a hamstring problem, the 28-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premier League as Daniel Farke's side finished 14th in their top-flight return.

"It's been a brilliant season," said James before Wales' summer friendlies against Ghana and Romania.

"We achieved our goal of staying in the Premier League.

"We want to become that established Premier League team and next season we just want to kick on and become that.

"The minutes I got this season was really big for me and coming into these games I want to use it as fuel to go into the next season.

"I've been really looking forward to these games and every time I put on the Wales shirt I feel pride. The last couple of seasons I have gone into the summer with a slight injury which has not helped going into pre-season so I just want to be as fit as I can going from the end of the season into pre-season."

James has been joined on Wales duty by 18-year-old Leeds left-back Jayden Lienou, who is yet to make a first-team, but was an unused substitute in two Premier League matches in May.

"Jayden is a player who has been brilliant this season," James added.

"He's been training with us a lot, he's a great lad. I think it will be great for him this week to experience it and I think he thoroughly deserves it.

"He's been great since he got here, great at Leeds, and he's definitely one for the future. He's a top player."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your memories of James Milner's early years at Leeds and Newcastle and his best moments, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave, a Newcastle fan: Best memory was him scoring an absolute worldie against Manchester United under Glenn Roeder. Milner always grafted for the shirt.

Uzay, a Magpies fan: He was a great player and the Premier League shall miss such an important figure.

Robert, a Leeds fan: Top pro, always gave 100% in effort and commitment, both on and off the field. No club could ask for more from a player. Best of luck to him for his future, in whatever he chooses to do next.

Dave, a Whites fan: If Peter Ridsdale had not ruined LUFC in 2002, and eventually sent them into administration in 2004 causing the sale of all the top player, heaven knows how long Milner would have stayed with them with him being a Leeds boy.

New financial rules will regulate Leeds United and their Premier League rivals for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

How the club will have to navigate Squad Cost Ratio while trying to retain their key players attracting more to join is the main discussion for Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope on a new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.

He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.

He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.

Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).

Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.

His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.

Image source, Getty Images

James Milner was just 16 and earning £70 a week as a YTS player when he broke into the first team at Leeds, six months after taking his GCSE exams.

On 10 November 2002, his dad Peter was in the away end at Upton Park when boss Terry Venables sent the youngster on for Jason Wilcox, now director of football at Manchester United, in the final minutes of a 4-3 win against West Ham.

It was a dream come true for Milner, who had grown up supporting the club and wore shirts with the names of Tony Yeboah and Tony Dorigo on the back.

Six weeks after the West Ham game, Milner - aged 16 years and 356 days - became the youngest Premier League goalscorer at that time when he scored in a 2-1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

It was not enough to get the former Leeds season ticket-holder out of his post-match duties, however.

Back then YTS players were expected to clean the dressing room after first-team games.

"Even when I was playing and scoring goals, after games I was helping the kit man pick dirty shirts off the dressing room floor," Milner told the High Performance podcast, external in 2023.

"I carried on cleaning the under-18 captain's boots. I was playing in the first team but he was still older than me."

It was not long, however, before Milner was sent on loan to the third tier of English football to continue his football education.

By the time he arrived at Swindon Town, Milner had made 18 Premier League appearances, scored a couple of goals and, despite his tender years, was already revered by Leeds fans.

Read more about James Milner here

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Former Leeds United player James Milner has announced his retirement from football, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.

The 40-year-old, who made his English top-flight debut for the Whites as a 16-year-old in 2002, went on to play for six different teams in England's top-flight.

He also went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances in February 2026, beating the record set by Gareth Barry.

Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.

He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.

"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.

"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in his early days at Leeds, and what are your favourite memories?

Get in touch with your comments here