Leeds United host Brentford at Elland Road on Sunday in Daniel Farke's first home Premier League game of the new season, with both sides chasing a third straight win.
Harry Wilson has scored four Premier League goals against Brentford — his joint-most against any single opponent in the competition — having also scored three against them in the Championship during a loan spell at Derby County in 2018-19.
Leeds have won each of their last three Premier League opening fixtures and go into Sunday having beaten Nottingham Forest twice in a week, in the league and then in the Carabao Cup. Brentford have made an even more emphatic start under Keith Andrews, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 before putting six past Birmingham City in the League Cup, extending their unbeaten run to four matches. The visitors are also unbeaten in four meetings with Leeds, though they have won only once in that sequence, with the two most recent meetings both finishing goalless or level.
Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026Kick-off: 14:00 BSTVenue: Elland RoadReferee: Tony HarringtonVAR: Neil DaviesLast meeting: Leeds United 0-0 Brentford, 21 March 2026, Premier League
Mateo Joseph (knee) and Ilia Gruev (knee) remain unavailable. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Wilfried Gnonto are doubts after returning to full training this week following separate thigh injuries, with Farke saying it's "definitely good news" but that the club must "wait how their body reacts." There's no reason for Farke to change a winning team otherwise, with Ethan Ampadu expected to continue alongside Anton Stach in midfield.

#league #farke

Leeds United return to Elland Road on Sunday for their first home game of the 2026/27 season, with Brentford the visitors for a 2pm kick-off.
Daniel Farke's side have made a perfect start to the campaign, recording back-to-back victories over Nottingham Forest. Anton Stach secured a 1-0 Premier League win at the City Ground before goals from Dan James and James Justin sealed a 2-0 triumph in the League Cup.
Brentford have also started impressively under Keith Andrews, opening their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur before beating Birmingham City 6-1 in the League Cup.
Here is everything supporters need to know about how to follow the action from Elland Road.
Coverage starts from 1:30pm with the official pre-match show, live on LUTV and across the club's digital platforms.

#brentford

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford at Elland Road (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On the injuries in the squad, Farke said: "It's [Ilia] Gruev's second week training with the team so he's edging closer and closer. Also some good news was Gudmundsson and Gnonto - as it stands they will join us this afternoon [in training] for the first time after their injuries. We have to wait to see how their bodies reacts. Obviously, we just have two days but definitely good news."
On the likelihood of Gruev playing on Sunday, he said: "He has missed more or less four months without playing a game so we have to make a decision. Physically, he is edging closer and closer. He also looks good on the training pitch. If I need him, I would have no problems to call him to the squad. We have now, thank god, a situation where we don't have to rush Ilia."
On the club's transfer window so far, he said: "We are in a good position. Very pleased with our window so far. We will stay aware because the feeling is that we want to do something more. We're definitely in a good place. I like our window so far and all our signings are spot on. Early signs are great but we have a long season."

#window #squad #edging

Jaka Bijol is the cover star and exclusive interview in this weekend's matchday programme as we welcome Brentford to Elland Road for our first Premier League fixture on home soil this season!
In the discussion with the Slovenian international, he looks back at two memorable victories over Nottingham Forest and speaks glowingly about the new additions to the squad.
Priced at £4, programmes are available to buy around the ground ahead of kick-off and can also be purchased online.
The programme contains columns from manager Daniel Farke and captain Ethan Ampadu, as well as club legends Eddie Gray and Stuart Dallas.
You can also find out how our Women's team, Under-21s and Under-18s got on in their opening few matches of the campaign to date.

#road

Daniel Farke is at Elland Road. Leeds United have opened talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder, according to Tipsbladet.
The West Yorkshire club are actively pursuing a move for the Danish forward to bolster their attacking options.
However, Leeds face competition from Serie A side Lazio, who have already submitted an official bid to bring the striker to Italy.
Lazio's proposal is based on an initial season-long loan with an option to buy, forcing RB Leipzig to weigh up how to manage the forward's immediate future.
Having been linked with a move to Chelsea earlier that summer, Harder left Sporting CP for Leipzig in September 2025 for a deal worth up to €30 million, following his double-winning season in Portugal.

#striker #daniel #elland #road

Leeds United return to the City Ground on Tuesday full of confidence, Anton Stach's stoppage-time free-kick having secured a 1-0 win in the same fixture just four days earlier. Daniel Farke will be keen to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time as Leeds boss.
Willy Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson are both out with muscle injuries, Gnonto having picked his up in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Dublin. Ilia Gruev remains a longer-term absentee with a knee issue, though he has partially reintegrated into training, and his involvement in the matchday squad is unclear.
Farke confirmed everyone else in his squad is available for selection, including summer signing Nico Elvedi, who was cleared to play before the weekend and made the bench for the Premier League opener without being used. Noah Okafor's fitness levels remain worth monitoring, having missed the entire pre-season after an extended break following Switzerland's World Cup run.
Elvedi is expected to come into the back three for his first Leeds involvement, with Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic retained alongside him and Jaka Bijol among those to make way. James Justin and Jayden Bogle offer athletic options at wing-back capable of managing the quick turnaround, while Ao Tanaka could be given a rare start in place of Anton Stach, who is expected to be held back as an attacking option from the bench. Farke is likely to freshen his attack too, with Daniel James, Felix Nmecha and Noah Okafor in line to lead the line ahead of Saturday's starters.
Leeds United possible starting XI (3-4-3): Perri; Elvedi, Rodon, Muharemovic; Bogle, Tanaka, Longstaff, Justin; James, Nmecha, Okafor

#leeds #back #anton

A late Anton Stach free kick fired Daniel Farke's Leeds United to an important opening day victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
With the deadlock still to be broken heading into the final few minutes, the midfielder's scintillating strike sent the travelling Whites contingent into raptures and left the boss thrilled with the result.
"I am very happy," Farke the media after the full-time whistle in the East Midlands. "It couldn't be a better way to start the season.
"So, the first game is the first three points, especially an away win at a very, very difficult ground in a very competitive and tight game.
"Also, a first clean sheet under our belt and several new signings on the pitch. Like expected, it was a tight game. I think it was a game of different periods.

#tight #leeds

Oliver Glasner stood in the centre circle after the final whistle and applauded the rapidly emptying City Ground.
It was almost apologetic from the Austrian after his first Premier League game as Nottingham Forest manager ended in frustration with a late defeat to Leeds.
There was the contrast to Leeds manager Daniel Farke's celebrations with the away fans after Anton Stach's free-kick deceived Matz Sels with two minutes left.
Forest were always going to be a work in progress and desperately need stability after going through four managers last season. Glasner will be looking to deliver it and it is not time to judge after just one game, something the head coach was keen to emphasis.
"There is no **** on to press," said the 51-year-old. "There are still a lot of things to do.

#forest #game #manager #austrian

After a productive pre-season schedule drew to a close, Leeds United finally begin the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Last term, the Whites impressed on the return to the top-flight with an outstanding 47 points haul, finishing in 14th place and reaching the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals!
Across the summer, it has been all systems go behind the scenes with United securing the signatures of four very exciting new additions, beginning with Wales international Harry Wilson who joins the club after a stellar season last time out with Fulham that saw him crowned Player of the Year at Craven Cottage.
Then, commanding central defender Tarik Muharemović arrived from Sassuolo before England international James Trafford made the switch on a club-record deal from Manchester City. Further experience was added at the back through Borussia Mönchengladbach's Nico Elvedi.
After an enjoyable tour of the US, Daniel Farke's side have beaten Bundesliga outfits RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Elland Road, as well as drawing with rivals Manchester United at Dublin's Croke Park.

#united #manchester #last #leeds

Leeds United will lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this Saturday as they hope to secure maximum points on the road in the Premier League. The Whites managed to earn a dominant 4-0 win over Augsburg in a pre-season friendly match recently, which should give them some confidence going into this game.
Daniel Farke will set his team in a 3-4-3 formation and is expected to name a strong first team for this clash. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will get the nod to spearhead Leeds United's attack up top.
James Trafford will feature in goal for the Whites as he looks to secure a clean sheet at the City Ground this weekend. Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemović will make up Leeds' back three. All three of them would have to maintain a good defensive shape at the back if they want to keep the Nottingham attackers frustrated during the 90 minutes.
Sebastiaan Bornauw will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Harry Wilson of Leeds United looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and RB Leipzig at Elland Road on August 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

#leeds #city

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has admitted that his focus remains on the transfer window and not on his own future ahead of the new season.
The German coach has less than 12 months remaining on his deal at Elland Road. However he insists that his own future is not a priority at this current moment.
"Haven't you seen the news?," Farke answered on his future with a smile. "Recently Ethan Ampadu contract extension until 2030, Joe Rodon contract extension until 2030, Jayden Bogle contract extension until 2030. It means there is no money left for the manager.
"All jokes aside, it is two days until the start of the season. I have more important topics to speak about than my contract. Right now this is not important."
The manager explained that his focus remains on the transfer market. Leeds are still looking to bring further reinforcements through the door at Elland Road.

#extension #focus

Leeds United right-back Jayden Bogle has signed a new four-year contract to extend his stay at Elland Road.
The 26-year-old, who joined from Sheffield United in July 2024, made 44 appearances in his first season at the club, scoring six goals and registering five ***** ists as Daniel Farke's side clinched the Championship ***** le.
His form also earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season and PFA Team of the Year.
Bogle featured 29 times in all competitions last season, scoring one goal and contributing four ***** ists as Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.
"It was an easy one for me," he told LUTV. "There's a lot of different emotions. I'm proud after having a bit of time to reflect on how the journey has gone so far. It has been special.

#season

Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer has reportedly attracted interest from Leeds United.
According to Absolut Fussball, the Premier League outfit have made an enquiry about the 31-year-old German shot-stopper.
At Leeds, who have German coach Daniel Farke at the helm, Zetterer could replace Lucas Perri, who is on the verge of joining Torino.
However, according to the report, the goalkeeper has no intention of leaving Eintracht at the moment.
Zetterer reportedly believes he has a good chance of beating competition from Kaua Santos to take the No. 1 spot for the upcoming season.

#eintracht #leeds #united

Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi is set to join Leeds United, media reports in Germany and England said on Sunday.
The Switzerland centre back is due in Leeds on Monday for a medical and would become the Premier League side's fourth signing in the close season following Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford.
Leeds' Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw could make way by heading to Hamburg on loan, the UK's Press ****** ociation reported.
Elvedi worked with Leeds coach Daniel Farke while he was Gladbach boss in 2022-23.

#elvedi #borussia #united #sunday

Leeds United have agreed an £8.5m deal to sign Swiss defender Nico Elvedi.
The 29-year-old is travelling to England for a medical on Monday after Borussia Monchengladbach accepted an offer worth an initial £6.8m, with a further £1.7m in add-ons.
The versatile Switzerland international is set to end his 11-year stay with the German top-flight club by moving to Elland Road.
Elvedi is a highly experienced addition, having earned 73 caps for his country and featured as part of Switzerland's squad at this summer's World Cup.
Asked about the deal after a 4-0 pre-season win over Augsburg, Leeds manager Daniel Farke said: "I've been working in football long enough to know everything is only final once the medical checks are completed and all the paperwork is signed. We've seen situations like this before.

#medical #united #swiss #nico

Despite Leeds United cruising past FC Augsburg 4-0 at Elland Road, manager Daniel Farke believes his side can still improve as the pre-season calendar drew to a close.
Goals from Anton Stach, Tarik Muharemović, James Justin and Lukas Nmecha sealed the victory and while the boss was impressed with parts of what he had seen, he explained the real work starts next week with the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest.
"We can play better," the German told LUTV. "First half, in many situations, also a bit untidy and not precise on the ball. We definitely can play better football and have done this also during this pre-season.
"But overall, it is the fifth week of pre-season. You could feel we had many inputs also during this week. We had a long day with traveling, coming back late. The next day, straight away training session with tactical sessions, meetings, anyhow.
"And for that, we were not really fresh, sharp and flawless today. But nevertheless, we were there against normally a really good Bundesliga side.

#week #better #really

Leeds United are advancing in their pursuit of Nico Elvedi, with personal terms now reportedly agreed between the player and the Yorkshire club ahead of a potential move from Borussia Monchengladbach. As first reported by Florian Plettenberg, the proposed contract would run until 2029, with Leeds now expected to step up club-to-club negotiations.
This is shaping up to be another significant move in a summer that already carries real weight at Elland Road. Leeds have approached this window with purpose after securing Premier League survival last season, finishing 14th, and there is a clear sense that Daniel Farke wants to push the squad beyond simply staying up. Recruitment has reflected that ambition, with Harry Wilson arriving on a free transfer, Tarik Muharemovic joining for £34m and James Trafford signing from Manchester City for a club-record £40m.
Elvedi looks like a natural fit for where Leeds are heading. The 29-year-old brings experience, reliability and a level of tactical understanding that matters when a side is trying to become more stable in the Premier League. Borussia Monchengladbach are believed to be open to a sale if the conditions are right, while the player is understood to be keen on the opportunity to test himself in England.
From Leeds' perspective, the timing also makes sense. Defensive reinforcement has become a pressing priority after Pascal Struijk's departure to Brighton, especially with Farke having leaned into a back-three system during the run-in last season. Elvedi has the profile to suit that shape, given his reading of the game, composure in possession and comfort operating in an organised defensive unit.
There is also a valuable personal element to this pursuit. Farke knows Elvedi well from their time together in Germany, and that familiarity often helps move a deal from interest to genuine conviction. Managers do not push this hard unless they feel a player can improve the floor and ceiling of the side.

#leeds #club #borussia

Manchester United and Leeds United will bring football to Dublin's iconic Croke Park for the first time since 2009 as the arch-rivals square off in a match that is friendly in name only.
United have enjoyed a promising pre-season since their opening slip-up against Wrexham in July, beating Atletico Madrid before holding European champions Paris Saint-Germain to a draw last weekend.
Leeds have also impressed in the build-up to the new Premier League campaign and most notably stunned Liverpool during their tour of the United States, coming from two goals down to win 4-2 in Chicago.
Daniel Farke's will hope to repeat their heroics of four months ago, which saw Leeds win their first league game at Old Trafford since 1981, getting another one over on their cross-Pennines rivals at a venue fitting of their rivalry.
Here's everything you need to know.

#united #leeds #rivals #wrexham

Manchester United and Leeds United will bring football to Dublin's iconic Croke Park for the first time since 2009 as the arch-rivals square off in a match that is friendly in name only.
United have enjoyed a promising pre-season since their opening slip-up against Wrexham in July, beating Atletico Madrid before holding European champions Paris Saint-Germain to a draw last weekend.
Leeds have also impressed in the build-up to the new Premier League campaign and most notably stunned Liverpool during their tour of the United States, coming from two goals down to win 4-2 in Chicago.
Daniel Farke's will hope to repeat their heroics of four months ago, which saw Leeds win their first league game at Old Trafford since 1981, getting another one over on their cross-Pennines rivals at a venue fitting of their rivalry.
Here's everything you need to know.

#croke #wrexham

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has revealed that Gabriel Gudmundsson is expected to miss the start of the Premier League season.
Gudmundsson suffered the setback during the pre-season win over Liverpool last week, and speaking after Leeds' 2-0 friendly win over RB Leipzig, Farke said: "Bad news with Gabi, a muscle injury.
"Obviously he had a difficult summer anyway because he was just injured before the World Cup and got fit for the World Cup but came back later and right now it's a muscle injury."
"The initial ******* sment is probably that it could be that he misses the start of the Premier League season," he added.
"At the moment it is too early to speak overall about his injury, four weeks.

#season #leeds #gudmundsson #premier

Leeds United have signed James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee of up to £45m and City are already lining up a replacement.
The England goalkeeper has inked a five-year deal at Elland Road and has become Daniel Farke's third signing of the summer.
City, who have inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause, also have a matching rights option to sign Trafford for a third time if and when he leaves Leeds.
Enzo Maresca's side are interested in signing the Argentina international Geronimo Rulli from Marseille as Trafford's replacement and Gianluigi Donnarumma's deputy.
Trafford rejoined City last summer from Burnley when, after he had a record-breaking year in the Clarets' promotion-winning season, they matched Newcastle's £31m bid for him.

#replacement

Harry Wilson believes that pre-season under Daniel Farke at Leeds reminds him of his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
Wilson, 29, joined Leeds on a free transfer this summer after five years at Fulham, where he scored 36 goals in 187 appearances. The Wales international came through the academy at Liverpool and made his debut under Klopp.
Asked about pre-season after Leeds beat Liverpool 4-2 in Chicago on Sunday, Wilson said: "Yes, it's been really tough. I think from my younger days when I was at Liverpool with Jurgen - I don't know if it's a German thing - but there's a lot of running involved and it's been definitely more than what I've done the last few years for sure. The lads did warn me about that. I think now the games have started, it has calmed down a little bit but I'm feeling really fit and feeling good."
Under Farke, Wilson revealed that the order has been double sessions, with the first session on the pitch involving a lot of distance and the second session gym-based.
"I think we've only had one day where there's been no footballs other than the two testing days at the start," he said.

#wilson #think #jurgen #years

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been offered to Leeds United, according to Ben Jacobs. Leeds manager Daniel Farke wants attacking reinforcements at the Elland Road club, and the Portuguese' agent offered him to the Whites. However, the cost involved means Leeds are unlikely to be able to get a deal for Leao over the line. The Milan star has also been offered to plenty of clubs in England and across Europe as his time in San Siro appears to be nearing its end.
"Rafa Leao was actually offered, believe it or not, to Leeds United along with Manchester United and ***** nal," Jacobs recently said on talkSPORT.
"The magnitude of the deal, the finances, the appetite and all of that, it doesn't appear that anything is going to advance. My expectation at the moment is Leao might end up in Turkey.
"But there was basically a ring-around from Leao's agency to several Premier League clubs, and Leeds were one of them."
The versatile forward is 'one of the best wingers' on the planet, with 80 goals and 65 ***** ists to his name across the last seven seasons since he joined Milan. Leeds could do with such an attacker but a deal does not look feasible for plenty of reasons.

#leeds #united

Andoni Iraola admitted that lessons were learned from Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Leeds in pre-season.
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Goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz saw the Reds take a commanding lead against Daniel Farke's men in Chicago.
However, following a host of second-half changes – with the very impressive Trey Nyoni substituted – the Merseysiders struggled to maintain their early superiority, shipping four goals in 25 minutes.
There's a message there, you'd think, for Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, and our recruitment team.

#andoni #leeds #download #official

On the flight home from Chicago, as he reflects on the 4-2 loss to Leeds that ended Liverpool's United States tour, manager Andoni Iraola will have plenty to think about.
The first-half display was arguably the best since he took charge of Liverpool, but the second was categorically their worst as they conceded four times without reply inside 25 minutes.
Iraola did make a raft of changes at the break and in the second half but that is no excuse for the way they capitulated against Daniel Farke's side.
Their lack of squad depth and physicality was alarmingly exposed and Iraola will be concerned with the ease with which Leeds scored, albeit against an inexperienced backline that finished with Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Kostas Tsimikas.
With Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz making their return, Liverpool were excellent in the first half and it is important not to be too critical but perhaps Iraola will be glad in the long-run that he saw this second-half display, where Liverpool's set-piece deficiencies were highlighted too.

#leeds #first

On the flight home from Chicago, as he reflects on the 4-2 loss to Leeds that ended Liverpool's United States tour, manager Andoni Iraola will have plenty to think about.
The first-half display was arguably the best since he took charge of Liverpool, but the second was categorically their worst as they conceded four times without reply inside 25 minutes.
Iraola did make a raft of changes at the break and in the second half but that is no excuse for the way they capitulated against Daniel Farke's side.
Their lack of squad depth and physicality was alarmingly exposed and Iraola will be concerned with the ease with which Leeds scored, albeit against an inexperienced backline that finished with Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Kostas Tsimikas.
With Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz making their return, Liverpool were excellent in the first half and it is important not to be too critical but perhaps Iraola will be glad in the long-run that he saw this second-half display, where Liverpool's set-piece deficiencies were evident too.

#second #Liverpool #first

Liverpool closes out its American tour on Sunday against Leeds at Soldier Field in Chicago, the last of three preseason friendlies in the States.
The Reds have won both so far under new head coach Andoni Iraola, beating Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville and Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.
Iraola took the job after Liverpool's ****** le defense ended in a fifth-place finish. He used 21 players against Wrexham and has close to 28 available in Chicago.
Watch Liverpool vs. Leeds on ESPN+
Leeds is on a much shorter turnaround. Daniel Farke's side beat Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey on Thursday, giving it under three days between matches.

#sunday

Where to watch Liverpool vs. Leeds live stream, TV channel, start time for preseason friendly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Liverpool and Leeds meet at Soldier Field in Chicago in a rematch of last season's entertaining two Premier League matches. A wild 3-3 draw in December was settled only by a Leeds stoppage-time equalizer from Ao Tanaka and a tighter 0-0 stalemate the following January.
The clash also marks an early test for Andoni Iraola's first year in charge of Liverpool, who bring a squad blending experience and youth on their U.S. tour, headlined by Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo.
Leeds, now in Daniel Farke's fourth season at the helm, counter with a mix of Premier League veterans and fresh faces, led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front and Ethan Ampadu marshaling the midfield. Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James add pace to Farke's attack.
With both sides still shaping their squads before the new campaign, Chicago offers a chance to build momentum ahead of the season opener later in August.

#league #daniel #preferred

Liverpool and Leeds square off in Chicago on Sunday in a really fun preseason friendly.
Andoni Iraola's Liverpool have plenty of players still on their World Cup breaks but his high intensity style of play is already clear from their preseason displays so far. Plenty of experienced players have left Liverpool this summer and there is a really fresh feel about their squad with Iraola replacing Arne Slot and ushering in a totally new style of play.
Daniel Farke did a fine job last season to keep newly-promoted Leeds comfortably in the Premier League. Their squad is evolving nicely and many will tip them for a top 10 finish this season.
Kick off time: 4pm ET, Sunday August 2
Venue: Soldier Field — Chicago, Illinois
TV Channel/Streaming: All Red TV, LUFC
The likes of Domink Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez have played big roles in preseason, while Joe Gomez going down with an injury has shown how short of center backs Liverpool are ahead of the new season. Iraola's side beat Sunderland 4-2 and Wrexham 1-0 in the last week and teenager Rio Ngumoha has been excellent. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are all expected to be in action for the first time this summer after their World Cup exploits.

#Liverpool #leeds #Chicago #players

The numbers tell one side of the story for Joel Piroe. 19 goals. Four ***** ists. 45 appearances. Top scorer in the Championship in 2024/25 and the main engine behind getting Leeds United back to the big time. Yet, stroll around West Yorkshire right now, and you quickly realise statistics mean precious little when a manager's mind is made up that he is a low-priority man. Daniel Farke wants a new leading man. Simple as that.
Farke wants a traditional centre-forward to hold up the ball, bully centre-backs, and trigger the team's pressing system off the ball. They have Dominic Calvert-Lewin for that. That leaves Joel Piroe in a tough spot.
Despite doing everything asked of him last season, the 26-year-old Dutchman finds himself pushed right to the edge of the first-team picture. Farke clearly harbours doubts about whether Piroe has the raw pace, athletic engine, and mobility required to lead the line in the top flight.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road, the hierarchy seems open to business. A cut-price departure before deadline day is now a genuine possibility, with Birmingham City already keeping close tabs on the situation.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Joel Piroe of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Sunderland at Elland Road on March 03, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

#engine