2025/26 SEASON ROUNDUP!
Leeds United’s return to the Premier League proved to be far more successful than many expected. After promotion, survival was always the main objective, but under Daniel Farke the club achieved much more than simply staying up. Safety was secured with games remaining, Leeds reached an FA Cup semi-final for the first time in decades, and belief around Elland Road was completely restored throughout the campaign.
The season was built on resilience, organisation, and togetherness. Leeds were far more competitive defensively than many expected, with the partnership between Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk becoming one of the foundations of the side. Ethan Ampadu emerged as the emotional leader of the team, setting standards every week through his aggression, versatility, and mentality. For many supporters, he was the club’s player of the season.
The campaign also saw several major success stories in recruitment. Dominic Calvert-Lewin revived his career at Elland Road, scoring 13 Premier League goals and becoming the focal point of Leeds’ attack. Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach transformed the midfield with composure and physicality, while Gabriel Gudmundsson quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his consistency and relentless work rate.
One of the biggest turning points of the season came in January when Karl Darlow replaced Lucas Perri in goal. Darlow’s arrival into the starting lineup brought calmness and confidence to the defence during the most important part of the campaign, while Perri’s league form and confidence collapsed after a difficult run of performances. However, despite losing his place in the Premier League side, Perri still played a huge role in Leeds United’s FA Cup run. His performances in the earlier rounds included several outstanding saves and match-winning moments that helped carry Leeds all the way to Wembley. Without his heroics in the cup, Leeds may never have reached the semi-final at all.
Meanwhile, Illan Meslier completely disappeared from the first-team picture, making no senior appearances before seemingly reaching the end of his Leeds career ahead of his contract expiry.
There were still frustrations throughout the season. Injuries affected players like Daniel James and Sebastiaan Bornauw, while some attacking players struggled for consistency. Leeds also suffered heartbreak at Wembley after losing the FA Cup semi-final despite fighting strongly in the second half.
Off the pitch, however, optimism fully returned to the club. Elland Road once again felt united behind the team, and with redevelopment work preparing to begin, supporters entered the summer feeling hopeful about the future rather than fearing another relegation battle. For the first time in years, Leeds United looked like a stable Premier League club moving in the right direction.
LEEDS UNITED FULL SQUAD SEASON RATINGS
Karl Darlow — 9/10
Darlow completely transformed Leeds United’s season after taking over in goal during January. With Lucas Perri struggling badly for confidence and form, Darlow stepped in and immediately brought calmness, leadership, and reliability to the defence. His shot-stopping during the second half of the campaign earned Leeds several huge points, and many supporters viewed him as one of the key reasons the club secured safety comfortably.
Lucas Perri — 5/10
Perri began the season as Leeds’ number one and showed flashes of quality early on, but his confidence collapsed after the turn of the year. Nervous performances and costly mistakes eventually saw him lose his place in January, and he never regained it. By the end of the campaign, he looked like a goalkeeper struggling heavily under pressure. However heroics in the FA Cup including 4 penalty shootout saves in 2 shootouts.
Illan Meslier — 1/10
Meslier endured a disastrous season and completely disappeared from the first-team picture. He failed to make a single senior appearance and only featured twice for the Under-21s, where his performances were also heavily criticised. For a goalkeeper once viewed as Leeds United and France's future number one for years to come, the campaign represented a dramatic collapse in confidence and standing at the club. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Meslier is now expected to leave Leeds United, bringing a disappointing end to a career at Elland Road that once promised so much.
Jayden Bogle — 8.5/10
Bogle was one of Leeds’ most consistent performers all season. His energy down the right side constantly stretched opposition defences, while defensively he improved massively as the campaign progressed. He finished with 1 goal and 3 assists in the league and became one of the side’s most dependable players.
Gabriel Gudmundsson — 9/10
Gudmundsson quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his relentless work rate and consistency. He balanced attacking intent with defensive discipline brilliantly and was arguably Leeds’ best full-back throughout the campaign.
Joe Rodon — 9/10
Rodon was immense throughout the season and became the leader of Leeds’ defence. Dominant in the air, aggressive in challenges, and composed under pressure, he consistently delivered high-level performances and contributed 2 league goals.
Pascal Struijk — 8/10
Struijk enjoyed one of his strongest seasons in a Leeds shirt. His positioning and composure improved significantly, and he formed a strong partnership with Rodon whenever fit. Injuries interrupted parts of his campaign, but his overall performances were impressive.
Ethan Ampadu — 9.5/10
Ampadu was Leeds United’s player of the season voted for by the fans. His leadership, aggression, mentality, and versatility defined the campaign. Whether playing in midfield or defence, he constantly fought for the badge and set the tone for the rest of the squad.
Jaka Bijol — 7.5/10
Bijol settled into Premier League football well and brought physicality and composure to the back line. He added strong depth to the squad and contributed important performances throughout the season.
Sebastiaan Bornauw — 6.5/10
Bornauw struggled with injuries at times but looked solid whenever called upon. His physical presence gave Leeds another reliable defensive option during the campaign.
James Justin — 7.5/10
Justin adapted well after arriving and proved valuable thanks to his versatility. Whether at full-back or covering injuries elsewhere, he consistently delivered hardworking performances.
Sam Byram — 7/10
Byram once again showed his importance to the squad with his professionalism and versatility. He remained dependable whenever called into the side.
Ao Tanaka — 8.5/10
Tanaka quickly became one of Leeds’ smartest midfielders. His technical quality, calmness under pressure, and intelligence on the ball transformed the midfield during difficult matches.
Anton Stach — 8.5/10
Stach was outstanding throughout the campaign and scored 4 direct freekicks and became one of the most important players in midfield. His physical dominance and tactical intelligence helped Leeds compete consistently in Premier League matches.
Sean Longstaff — 7.5/10
Longstaff added experience, leadership, and relentless energy to the midfield. He contributed important goals and became a key player during the second half of the season.
Ilia Gruev — 7.5/10
Gruev quietly remained one of Leeds’ most reliable midfielders. His passing and positional intelligence brought balance and control during difficult moments.
Brenden Aaronson — 7.5/10
Aaronson produced a much-improved campaign compared to previous seasons. His pressing, movement, and work rate fit perfectly into Daniel Farke’s system, while he also contributed goals and assists in important moments.
Daniel James — 7/10
James struggled with injuries during parts of the campaign but still brought pace and intensity whenever fit. His direct running remained a dangerous weapon for Leeds throughout the season.
Noah Okafor — 8/10
Okafor added pace, flair, and unpredictability to Leeds’ attack. His ability to beat defenders and create moments of quality made him one of the side’s biggest attacking threats.
Willy Gnonto — 6.5/10
Gnonto showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency across the campaign. While he still produced moments of quality, many supporters expected more from him overall.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin — 9/10
One of the stories of the Premier League season. After arriving with doubts surrounding his fitness and form, Calvert-Lewin completely revived his career at Leeds United. His 13 league goals and leadership transformed Leeds’ attack and made him one of the club’s most important players.
Lukas Nmecha — 7.5/10
Nmecha proved to be an excellent squad option and contributed important goals despite limited starts. His movement and finishing often made a difference from the bench.
Joël Piroe — 5.5/10
Piroe struggled to adapt to Premier League football and found consistent minutes difficult to come by. Overall, it was a disappointing campaign compared to expectations.
Daniel Farke — 9/10
Farke exceeded expectations massively during Leeds United’s return to the Premier League. Safety was secured comfortably, the club reached an FA Cup semi-final, and belief around Elland Road was fully restored. His leadership, organisation, and recruitment transformed the atmosphere around the club.
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