Lee Sobot

Leeds United have signed 18-year-old North Macedonian striker Ditmir Hodja from FK Rabotnicki on a three-year contract after he impressed during a trial. The 6ft 4in forward scored six goals in 22 appearances last season, including four goal involvements in his final five league matches, and also played in a UEFA Conference League qualifying tie. He will join Leeds' Under-21 Academy side at Thorp Arch.

Leeds United are considering a possible loan move for Chelsea and Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who recently returned after a doping ban. The club is not pursuing Chelsea striker Liam Delap despite reports to the contrary. Leeds are also looking to sign Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer as back-up to James Trafford, with 11 days remaining in the summer transfer window.

Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that captain Ryan Yates and defender Nicolo Savona will miss Saturday’s Premier League opener against Leeds United at the City Ground. Yates is unavailable through injury, while Savona has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from knee surgery and is expected to need several more weeks before returning to grass training. Glasner said Forest still have 23 fit players available for selection.

Leeds United have extended Brenden Aaronson’s contract by three years, keeping the United States international at Elland Road until 2029. Aaronson, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg for £25 million in 2022, made 37 appearances last season, scoring four goals and providing five assists as Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League. The deal follows renewals for Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle and rewards Aaronson’s contributions on the pitch, during pre-season and through Leeds United Foundation community initiatives.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke urged supporters to dream big ahead of the 2026–27 Premier League season, while setting 40 points and top-flight survival as the initial priority. He acknowledged that the second season after promotion can be particularly difficult, but said Leeds have a strong squad and team spirit and that his players cannot wait to represent the club. Farke added that the team will reassess its ambitions if it secures survival and suggested further positive squad news could follow.

Leeds United has unveiled its carbon-and-silver 2026/27 third kit ahead of the new Premier League season. The jersey, inspired by Leeds, will go on sale at 8am BST on Friday, before Leeds’ opening match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Leeds United have announced KChat, an encrypted messaging and community platform, as their official sleeve partner for the 2026/27 Premier League season and beyond. KChat will first appear on the club’s shirts during Leeds’ opening match against Nottingham Forest on August 22, followed by its Elland Road debut against Brentford on August 30. The partnership will include supporter initiatives, reflecting both organizations’ emphasis on secure communication, genuine connection and community building. It also marks KChat’s first collaboration with a Premier League club ahead of its public launch.

Leeds United ended pre-season with a 4-0 win over FC Augsburg at Elland Road. Tarik Muharemovic was the standout performer after an assured defensive display and an overhead-kick goal, while James Justin also impressed as Leeds manage injuries and Sebastiaan Bornauw's expected move to Hamburg. Joel Piroe struggled in a brief substitute appearance, intensifying doubts over his future amid reported interest from West Ham United. The match also featured loud support from Augsburg's travelling fans, a positive reception for Leeds' players and manager Daniel Farke, and a final Elland Road appearance for Bornauw that was marked by warm farewells.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke confirmed that players excluded from first-team pre-season involvement, including Largie Ramazani, are not in his plans for the new season, while Sam Byram also appears set to leave after his contract expired. Farke praised teenagers Callum Mills and Alfie Cresswell after Leeds’ 4-0 friendly win over FC Augsburg but cautioned that the club cannot rely heavily on inexperienced players. With Will Gnonto and Gabi Gudmundsson carrying injuries, Farke said Leeds are working to add further quality and squad depth before the end of August.

Leeds United are set to sign Swiss international centre-back Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach for an initial €8 million plus add-ons, with the transfer potentially reaching €10 million. His arrival is expected to facilitate Sebastiaan Bornauw’s move to Hamburg on an initial loan with a purchase option. West Ham United have also enquired about striker Joel Piroe, who wants to leave Leeds, although the club is seeking a £16 million fee.

Leeds United defeated FC Augsburg 4-0 at Elland Road in their final pre-season friendly. Anton Stach opened the scoring inside a minute, Tarik Muharemovic added an overhead-kick second, James Justin made it 3-0 before half-time, and Lukas Nmecha completed the scoring after an assist from Ao Tanaka. Muharemovic earned the highest rating at 9/10, while James Trafford, Joe Rodon and Justin received 8/10.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke said the club was close to completing the signing of Switzerland international centre-back Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach. He also indicated that defender Sebastiaan Bornauw was likely to leave for Hamburg on an initial loan, although both moves remained subject to medicals and signed agreements. Farke praised Leeds’ 4-0 pre-season win over FC Augsburg and their clean sheet, while acknowledging that fatigue from extensive travel and training contributed to an imperfect performance.

Willy Gnonto is missing from Leeds United’s squad for the final pre-season friendly against FC Augsburg after suffering a hamstring injury during the team’s match against Manchester United in Dublin. The Italian winger had impressed during the summer, particularly in a right-wing-back role, but Leeds have declined to provide a return timeframe and hope he will be available again soon.

New Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford says joining the club is the best move for fulfilling his football ambitions. The England international joined from Manchester City for a club-record £40 million plus add-ons after making only four Premier League appearances last season, with Gianluigi Donnarumma becoming City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Trafford praised Leeds’ drive to improve and said the team believes it can achieve anything under manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds United drew 1-1 with Manchester United in a pre-season friendly at Dublin's Croke Park before losing 5-4 on penalties in the Boyle Sports Cup. James Trafford earned the highest rating, with his saves and alert distribution helping Leeds stay in the game and create the equaliser. Jayden Bogle and Tarik Muharemovic also impressed, while Jaka Bijol struggled against Bryan Mbeumo and several defenders endured difficult spells.

A photo gallery captures Leeds United supporters at Elland Road during the club’s pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig on 8 August 2026. Despite the West Stand being closed for redevelopment, 24,630 fans attended and Leeds won 2–0 over 120 minutes. The gallery highlights the large, vibrant crowd and the popularity of Leeds’ yellow away shirt.

Daniel Farke said Joel Piroe was left on the bench for Leeds United's 2-0 friendly win over RB Leipzig because Dominic Calvert-Lewin needed a full 60 minutes after missing part of pre-season, while Lukas Nmecha was ahead of Piroe in the striker pecking order. Farke stressed that the decision was not related to an injury or any problem with Piroe, who remains focused and professional. He also said he does not currently expect much activity among outgoing players, although he would not rule out changes as the season approaches.

Leeds United beat RB Leipzig twice in a pre-season fixture split into two 60-minute matches at Elland Road. Joe Rodon was the standout performer, impressing both defensively and with an unexpected attacking run that led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal. Joel Piroe did not play, with Daniel Farke indicating that Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha currently rank ahead of him. The match also featured a warm Elland Road reception, media relocation to the East Stand, Alex Cairns being humorously serenaded as “England’s no 1,” and Rodon stopping to meet a large group of supporters after the game.

Leeds United beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at Elland Road. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring after a strong run and cross from Joe Rodon, while Lukas Nmecha added a second after combination play from Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto. Rodon was the standout performer with a 9/10 rating, while Alex Cairns, Sebastiaan Bornauw and £34 million signing Tarik Muharemovic received 8/10. Jayden Bogle and James Justin were effective going forward but occasionally vulnerable defensively.

Leeds United beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in a pre-season match consisting of two 60-minute periods, extending an impressive run that also included victories over Liverpool and Sunderland. Manager Daniel Farke said supporters were right to feel encouraged by the team’s form and recent signings, while stressing that pre-season results carry no league points and that the priority is to be ready for the competitive campaign. Farke also confirmed that left-back Gabi Gudmundsson has suffered a muscle injury and could miss the first one or two Premier League games.

Live coverage follows Leeds United’s pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig at Elland Road, including team news involving James Trafford and Noah Okafor, pre-match developments, in-game updates and post-match reaction. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2pm with two 60-minute halves and is available free on LUTV and Red Bull TV rather than mainstream television.

Leeds United are expected to field a strong side against RB Leipzig in their first Elland Road pre-season friendly after returning from a tour of the United States. Alex Cairns may start in goal instead of new record signing James Trafford, while Tarik Muharemovic could make his home debut alongside Joe Rodon. Injuries to Gabi Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol, plus Ilia Gruev’s recovery and Noah Okafor’s limited training, could influence Daniel Farke’s formation and selection. The unusual 120-minute match is expected to involve extensive rotation.

James Trafford has joined Leeds United from Manchester City for a club-record £40 million fee. The 23-year-old goalkeeper made only four Premier League appearances for City after Gianluigi Donnarumma became first choice, but he served as the club’s cup goalkeeper during its FA Cup and Carabao Cup double. Former teammates Erling Haaland and Archie Gray, along with Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and the official England account, congratulated Trafford on social media.

Sean Longstaff says Leeds United’s global scale and fanbase only truly became clear to him during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. After joining from boyhood club Newcastle United the previous summer, the midfielder made 28 appearances in his first season, helping Leeds secure Premier League safety and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Following an impressive performance against Wrexham, Longstaff said Leeds players have a responsibility to keep improving so the club’s international following can grow further.

James Trafford has joined Leeds United from Manchester City for £40 million plus add-ons, becoming the club’s record signing and the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. The 23-year-old England international made only four Premier League starts for City last season after Gianluigi Donnarumma became first choice, despite helping City win the FA Cup and League Cup. Trafford said he feels no need to prove a point, trusts his abilities and is eager to begin preparations with Leeds. He praised the club’s energy and passion, particularly the support of its fans, saying their backing can contribute significantly to the team’s results and performances.

Leeds United will enter the 2026-27 Carabao Cup in the second round, with the regionalised draw scheduled for approximately 7:20pm on Monday, August 10, during Sky Sports’ coverage of Plymouth Argyle versus Exeter City. The draw will be hosted by David Prutton with Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Mackie, and the ties will be played during the week beginning August 24, between Leeds’ opening Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brentford. Several northern clubs, including Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, are among the potential opponents.

Michael Phelps, who owns a minority stake in Leeds United and won 23 Olympic gold medals, attended Leeds's 4–2 comeback victory over Liverpool at Soldier Field in Chicago. The win concluded Leeds's pre-season tour of the United States, following a defeat to Wrexham and a victory over Sunderland. Leeds is owned by 49ers Enterprises, with Phelps among eight athletes who invested in the club in 2023.

Liverpool lost 4–2 to Leeds United in a pre-season friendly at Chicago's Soldier Field after taking a 2–0 half-time lead through Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz. Leeds responded with two goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and further strikes by Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said the defeat was disappointing but described the match as probably the team's most useful friendly of the summer, providing lessons ahead of the new season.

Former Leeds United midfielder Glen Kamara is set to return to English football by joining Queens Park Rangers from Rennes on loan, with an option to buy. The Finland international joined Rennes in 2024 after one season at Leeds, but made only 18 appearances for the French club and played just 88 minutes last season following a loan spell at Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the deal had reached the paperwork stage.

Leeds United will face Liverpool in Chicago in the final match of their United States pre-season tour. Liverpool are strong bookmakers' favorites after Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were confirmed to be returning following their World Cup involvement. Leeds enter the match after beating Sunderland 1–0, with Lukas Nmecha scoring, while Isak is the leading anytime-scorer favorite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Leeds' shortest-priced contender.

Willy Gnonto says being a Leeds United player is a privilege and that he now feels “proper Leeds” after joining the club as a young player in 2022. Following Leeds’s 15th-place finish in their first Premier League season back, the Italian winger aims to help the team build on that result and improve in the upcoming campaign.

Former Leeds United academy defender Charlie Cresswell is due to undergo a medical before joining Rennes from Toulouse. The proposed deal includes a €2.5 million loan fee, a €22.5 million purchase obligation, up to €3 million in additional payments and 10% of a future sale, potentially making him Toulouse’s second-highest sale. Cresswell joined Toulouse from Leeds in 2024 and had also attracted interest from Brighton and Crystal Palace.

Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha praised new centre-back Tarik Muharemovic after the £34 million signing impressed on his debut against Sunderland in New Jersey. Muharemovic helped Leeds keep a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory, while Nmecha scored the decisive early goal. Nmecha also highlighted the progress of Leeds’ young players during pre-season, including Callum Mills.

Leeds United's 1-0 pre-season win over Sunderland, secured by an early Lukas Nmecha goal, has prompted bookmakers to revise their predicted final Premier League table for the 2026-27 season. The article contrasts Leeds' 14th-place finish in the previous campaign with Sunderland's seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification, then presents the latest market expectations. Arsenal are the predicted champions, followed by Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the visible portion of the table.

Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha praised the club’s American supporters after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Sunderland in New Jersey. Nmecha said the crowd felt like it consisted entirely of Leeds fans and noted that hearing Leeds supporters speak with American accents was unusual but enjoyable. The match was Leeds’ second of three fixtures on their US tour, following a 3-2 defeat by Wrexham.

Lukas Nmecha scored from distance as Leeds United defeated Sunderland 1-0 in a pre-season friendly in New Jersey. Nmecha acknowledged that Leeds showed signs of fatigue and found Sunderland’s wide setup difficult to handle, but said the team kept possession well and limited Sunderland to non-dangerous chances. He also stressed that developing a winning mentality, alongside improving fitness, must be reinforced in training.

Bookmakers have made Leeds United clear favourites to beat Sunderland in a preseason friendly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, offering Leeds at odds between 11-10 and 13-10, Sunderland at 2-1 and the draw at 11-4. Both teams are expected to feature returning World Cup players for limited minutes. Despite Sunderland finishing seventh in the previous Premier League season, seven places and seven points above Leeds, Leeds are favoured for the match. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor are joint favourites to score first.

Eddie Howe is leaving Newcastle United after five years as head coach, following a 2025–26 Premier League campaign in which the club finished only two points above newly promoted Leeds United. Newcastle have reportedly identified Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle as Howe’s replacement.

Leeds United and Adidas have unveiled the club’s 2026/27 home kit, featuring a traditional white design with subtle horizontal blue and yellow stripes inspired by the club’s archives and Leeds’ history. The kit commemorates 400 years since the signing of the Leeds Town Charter and uses adidas CLIMACOOL technology. Adult and women’s shirts will carry principal partner Red Bull branding, with sales beginning online and in Leeds United, Adidas and selected JD stores on 28 July 2026.

Bookmakers’ early Premier League predictions place Leeds United in their second season back in the division, alongside assessments of Sunderland, Everton and promoted clubs Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City. The predictions follow Leeds’ first pre-season outing, a 3–2 defeat to Wrexham in New Jersey, with goals from Joel Piroe and Sean Longstaff. Arsenal are tipped to win the title, ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool, while Chelsea rise to fourth and Manchester United fall to fifth.

Leeds United lost 3-2 to Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly in the United States, but Sean Longstaff strengthened his case for a starting midfield role and 17-year-old Callum Mills emerged as the most impressive youngster. Harry Wilson made a promising debut, creating chances and looking effective as a number 10 in a possible 4-2-3-1 system. The match also exposed defensive vulnerability and Leeds' lack of centre-forward depth, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering a pre-season setback and Jaka Bijol missing through a knee knock.

Sean Longstaff described Leeds United's first pre-season friendly against Wrexham as providing “good minutes in the tank” while praising the “incredible support” in Tampa. He scored to make the match 2-2 at half-time, but Leeds ultimately lost 3-2 after Sam Smith scored Wrexham's 88th-minute winner. Daniel Farke also handed full debuts to Jayden Lienou, Alfie Cresswell and Callum Mills.

Leeds United began their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Wrexham in Tampa. Kieffer Moore gave Wrexham an early lead, Joel Piroe missed a penalty before scoring, and Bailey Cadamarteri restored Wrexham’s advantage. Jamie Longstaff’s impressive performance brought Leeds level again, while Harry Wilson made an encouraging debut after half-time. Leeds dominated portions of the second half but defensive errors, including a misplaced pass by Ao Tanaka, allowed Sam Smith to score the decisive 86th-minute goal.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says James Trafford remains one of the club’s goalkeepers but acknowledges that anything can happen while the transfer window is open. Leeds United are pursuing Trafford as their main target for a new goalkeeper, while reports suggest the player is inclined to move to Elland Road. Trafford previously left City for Burnley before returning after City activated a buy-back clause, but he has had limited playing time behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Leeds United will play Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The match starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, corresponding to 12:30 a.m. Sunday in the UK. UK viewers can watch via Premier Sports 2, BBC iPlayer, S4C Online, LUTV or Wrexham AFC Live, with one-off match passes available through the clubs' streaming services.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised Leeds United ahead of the clubs' pre-season friendly in Tampa, noting that it is remarkable they have never previously met in a competitive fixture. Wrexham, who are entering their second Championship season after finishing seventh, go into the match after defeating Manchester United and Parkinson warned that his team would be ready for another highly competitive test.

Nottingham Forest have signed Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer as Oliver Glasner’s first recruit, with Schlager targeting a return to European football and recalling the club’s European Cup history under Brian Clough. Forest will host Leeds United in their opening match of the new season. Newly promoted Ipswich Town have also completed a £34.9 million triple signing, bringing in Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City, Issa Diop from Fulham and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam.

Kevin Keegan, former England captain and manager, has died at 75 following a battle with stage four cancer. His family announced he passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters and expressed gratitude to his medical team while requesting privacy. Tributes were issued worldwide, including condolences from Leeds United, who shared a statement honouring his legacy and offering sympathies to his family.

Premier League clubs continue restructuring ahead of the new season, with Sunderland and Coventry City adding defensive reinforcements as Leeds United monitor rival activity. A full breakdown of summer transfers highlights significant moves including Illan Meslier joining Arsenal, Johan Manzambi arriving at Aston Villa, and major signings and departures across Chelsea, Brighton, Bournemouth and others.

Paraag Marathe has withdrawn from consideration for the Major League Soccer commissioner role, leaving Larry Berg and David Nathanson as the remaining candidates.

Portuguese club Boavista, once home to former Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, has ceased operations after 123 years following prolonged financial decline and successive relegations. The club, a former Primeira Liga champion, was denied registration in professional divisions and withdrew from the district league after three matches. Efforts are underway to establish a phoenix club to preserve its legacy.

Leeds United reshape their strongest starting lineup and bench following the signings of Tarik Muharemovic for £34m and Harry Wilson on a free transfer. Muharemovic arrives from Sassuolo after an impressive World Cup, becoming the club’s second-most expensive purchase and replacing outgoing defender Pascal Struijk, who joined Brighton. Goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier also departed, while Isaac Schmidt completed a permanent move to Young Boys. The article outlines the updated preferred XI, highlighting strengthened defensive options and suggesting potential tactical choices for the upcoming season.

Leeds United reshaped their defence with the £34m signing of Tarik Muharemovic, who becomes one of the club’s most expensive arrivals and replaces outgoing centre-back Pascal Struijk. His addition, alongside Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol, is expected to form the core of the defensive unit, with further depth provided by James Justin, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ethan Ampadu. Although the club explored a move for free agent John Stones, wage demands make a deal unlikely, and the new signing effectively closes the door on adding another centre-back this summer.

Leeds United announced 12 new academy scholars who have signed two-year deals and will pursue educational programmes including a BTEC Diploma as part of their development at Thorp Arch.

Leeds United’s players have returned for pre-season testing as the club prepares for six friendly matches, including three in the United States against Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool, followed by home fixtures against RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg and a match in Dublin against Manchester United. Key dates and kick-off times for the 2026–27 preparations are outlined.

Betting markets from SkyBet place Leeds United among possible destinations for goalkeeper James Trafford, with bookmakers identifying a clear favourite in the race for his next club ahead of the September transfer deadline and listing comparative odds for major contenders including Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Sunderland and Manchester United.

Premier League clubs announce a wide range of summer transfers, including Coventry City's £20m record signing and moves involving several former Leeds United players. Leeds United’s incoming and outgoing transfers are listed alongside business by rivals such as Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton and Chelsea, highlighting significant spending and squad changes ahead of the new season.

Eighteen‑year‑old full‑back Will Firth signed his first professional one‑year contract with Leeds United after making 25 youth‑level appearances last season and captaining the under‑18s nine times. The club highlighted his versatility, leadership and experience gained against senior opposition in competitions such as the Vertu Trophy and National League Cup, congratulating him as he continues his development at Thorp Arch.

Bookmakers assess Leeds United’s chances of avoiding relegation in their second Premier League season, comparing them with fellow returnees Sunderland and the newly promoted Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City. Odds also outline expected placements for established clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and others, offering a projected final league table based on relegation probabilities.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, a Leeds United supporter, praised Norway’s national team after its 2-1 extra‑time World Cup quarter-final loss to England in Miami. He expressed pride in the squad’s performance and its ability to inspire unity and memorable moments, as England advanced to the semi-finals with two goals from Jude Bellingham.

Noah Okafor’s World Cup ended in frustration as Switzerland exited in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina, leaving the Leeds United forward without a single minute played since the round of 32. Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye after Alexis Mac Allister’s opener but were hampered by Breel Embolo’s red card before extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured Argentina’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face England.

Eighteen-year-old forward Jacob Render has signed a one-year professional contract with Leeds United after making 17 appearances across academy competitions last season. His performances included scoring in a National League Cup win over Gateshead and gaining senior experience against Accrington Stanley in the Vertu Trophy. The club praised his versatility across attacking roles and expressed confidence in his continued development at Thorp Arch.

Eighteen-year-old centre-back Luke Matykiewicz signed his first professional two-year contract with Leeds United and aims to establish himself as a key player in the club’s under-21 squad. After progressing from the under-18s and making appearances for Northern Ireland’s under-21 team, he described adapting to a higher level of competition and expressed pride in achieving a long-term goal supported by his family.

Ken Bates, former owner of Leeds United and Chelsea, has died at age 94. Chelsea Football Club confirmed he passed away peacefully in Monaco and issued condolences, highlighting his leadership during challenging periods and his role in the club’s success.

Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Store is highlighted as a Leeds United supporter ahead of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final against England. His connection to the club surfaced in past discussions with former UK prime minister Keir Starmer, who congratulated him on Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League. Store has also publicly shared his support on social media, adding to the well‑known Leeds ties of Norway striker Erling Haaland and the club’s strong Scandinavian following.

Luke Matykiewicz, an 18‑year‑old Northern Ireland youth international centre‑back, has signed his first professional contract with Leeds United on a two‑year deal running to 2028. After progressing from the under‑18s to Scott Gardner’s under‑21 side and earning three youth caps for Northern Ireland, the club highlighted his development and expressed confidence in his future.

Leeds United’s preparations for the 2026–27 Premier League season include six pre-season friendlies, three in the United States and three in Europe, beginning with Wrexham in Tampa on July 25 and concluding against FC Augsburg at Elland Road on August 15. The club enters its second season back in the Premier League, having secured safety early the previous year, with six weeks remaining before the new campaign starts.

Additional celebrities and former Leeds United players join the Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield charity match, an annual event raising funds in memory of Elliot Bransby. Hollywood actor Ralph Ineson and former rugby league star Ellery Hanley expand the group of high-profile co-managers supporting the event. The match, set for July 25 at the John Charles Centre for Sport, will raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice and feature numerous ex-professionals, entertainers and community activities. Organisers emphasise the goal of honouring Elliot’s memory while generating substantial charitable support.

Nottingham Forest appointed Oliver Glasner as head coach following the departure of Vitor Pereira after a troubled Premier League season. Glasner arrives with notable European and domestic success, including Europa League, Conference League and FA Cup victories. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis highlighted shared ambition and a commitment to competing for major honours, while Glasner emphasized the club’s vision, history and potential as he prepares to begin pre-season with the squad.

Bookmakers’ latest odds predict the 2026–27 Premier League final standings, with Arsenal favoured for the title ahead of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Leeds United enter their second season back in the top flight after finishing 14th, with chairman Paraag Marathe warning of the challenges ahead. Sunderland’s seventh-place finish and Forest and Palace managerial changes are noted, while newly promoted Coventry, Ipswich and Hull aim to avoid relegation.

Leeds United have confirmed nine player departures this summer, including contract expiries, a major sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton, and the return of Facundo Buonanotte to his parent club. Three unresolved squad situations remain from the club’s retained list, and although no signings have yet been announced, an incoming addition is expected.

ChatGPT’s projected 2026–27 Premier League table predicts Arsenal as champions, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool close behind. Leeds United receive a positive forecast for their second season after avoiding relegation the prior year, while newly promoted Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City face challenges to stay up. The article outlines last season’s outcomes and includes comments from Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe on the difficulty of second-year survival for promoted clubs.

Ilia Gruev continues his recovery from a meniscus injury that ended his season, sharing images from Athens showing training activity including cycling and treadmill work. The midfielder was previously ruled out by manager Daniel Farke but expected to return for pre-season, with his recent update indicating steady progress.

Canada exited the World Cup after a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the last 16, despite coach Jesse Marsch insisting his side were the better team and expressing strong pride in their attacking approach. The defeat followed Canada’s historic achievements of qualifying for the knockout stages and winning their first ever World Cup knockout match against South Africa. Morocco advanced to face France in the quarterfinals as Marsch defended his players and highlighted the team’s growth and competitiveness.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink endorses Leeds United’s pursuit of free-agent midfielder Julian Brandt, highlighting his top-level experience as valuable for strengthening the squad ahead of their second Premier League season. Brandt is in discussions with the club, though competition from European sides is expected. Hasselbaink stresses that added experience is needed to avoid relegation battles and build on last season’s strong finish.

Two Leeds United players, Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson, remain active in the 2026 World Cup after teammates Gabi Gudmundsson and Ao Tanaka were eliminated in the last 32. The upcoming last‑16 fixtures feature former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch’s Canada against Morocco, with further matches involving major national teams including England, Brazil, Spain and Argentina. The United‑linked players next appear as the USA face Belgium and Switzerland meet Colombia, with both games broadcast on major UK channels.

Harry Gray, a 17‑year‑old Leeds United forward, is close to completing a season‑long loan move to League One side Sheffield Wednesday as part of his development plan. He previously made his Leeds debut, participated in pre‑season with the first team, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United, where he made 20 appearances and scored three goals. Sheffield Wednesday have won the race for his signature despite interest from Huddersfield Town, and he will reunite with former Leeds captain Liam Cooper.

German midfielder Anton Stach could receive a renewed international opportunity following the resignation of national team coach Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s early World Cup exit. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed he is in talks with the DFB about the vacant position, noting his existing contract with Red Bull but expressing interest in the role. Stach, who impressed in his first season with Leeds United and briefly returned to the German squad in March, was omitted from the World Cup squad due to a late-season injury but may benefit from the forthcoming managerial change.

Ao Tanaka’s late mistake led to Brazil’s stoppage‑time winner that ended Japan’s World Cup run, leaving the Leeds United midfielder in tears before being consoled by Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha. Japan had led through Kaishu Sano before Casemiro equalised, with Gabriel Martinelli securing Brazil’s 2‑1 victory. The roundup also highlights Crysencio Summerville’s missed penalty in the Netherlands’ shootout loss to Morocco and Germany’s elimination by Paraguay.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has dropped Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka to the bench for Japan’s World Cup last‑32 match against Brazil despite Tanaka playing well in the group stage. Tanaka featured in Japan’s final two group matches, helping the team secure a second‑place finish in Group F.

Canada reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after Stephen Eustaquio’s late winner against South Africa, marking a historic achievement under coach Jesse Marsch. Marsch delivered an emotional post‑match speech praising his players and later defended it, saying he did not care if critics viewed it as performative. Canada will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco in pursuit of their first quarter-final berth.