Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Joe Donnohue Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is out to prove himself all over again after making a comeback from a broken leg To many 35-year-old Premier League footballers, a broken leg and expiring contract might be a signal to call it a day. For Michail Antonio, the ex-West Ham striker is keen to show his playing days are not behind him, even after the December 2024 car crash which he freely admits, almost cost him his life. Speaking to FourFourTwo at the FA Community Shield Final between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, the experienced Premier League marksman was reluctant to discuss the details of his Hammers exit - but insists he's back to normal and isn't thinking about retiring any time soon. "I'm still going to play. I'm speaking to a few clubs right now, I'm just kind of waiting for the right offer to come and move forward from there. "I definitely know I'm good. I know I'm fit, just waiting for the right opport...

Rejoice Written by: Rob Conlon As proved by the white, yellow and blue shirts filling the pubs of Dublin on Saturday morning, Leeds’ friendly against Milan was a day of celebration. And after United were showered with love and affection by the Irish hardcore, it was time to rejoice for a couple of reasons. First, pre-season is officially done, meaning we don’t have to scrutinise any more friendlies asking questions that only the proper stuff can answer. I don’t know about you, but I’ve missed The Fear. Do Leeds still have gaps in their squad that need filling? Probably, but that brings me to the second cause for celebration. Anton Stach, I’m ready for you to one day break my heart! Stach’s performance was all anyone could talk about afterwards. The club were keen to point out that the midfielder is really tall upon his arrival from Hoffenheim this summer. Maybe they should have made more of a deal about the fact he’s bloody brilliant at football too. Time and again, Stach bro...

By Lee Sobot A youth international has sealed a permanent Leeds United exit with a transfer to a Portuguese side. Young centre-back Diogo Monteiro has ended two-and-a-half years at Leeds United with a permanent switch to a Portuguese side. Monteiro, 20, joined Leeds from Swiss outfit Servette FC in January 2023 and has since featured regularly for the club’s under-21s. Youth international was a cup final hero The Portugal youth international defender was an important part of Scott Gardner’s side that won last season’s National League Cup, the centre-back scoring against Sutton United in the final. Monteiro, though, has now ended his time with the Whites by joining Portuguese side FC Arouca in a permanent deal. A statement from Leeds United read: “Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Diogo well for the future and we thank him for his efforts whilst at the club.”

By Stuart Rayner Leeds United have confirmed the return of Jonny Howson in a new academy coaching role. The 37-year-old has joined the trend of senior players taking up player-coach roles with under-21s side after his summer release by Middlesbrough. Leeds are following the route of clubs such as Manchester United – with former Doncaster Rovers player Tommy Rowe, and previously Paul McShane and Tom Huddlestone – and Liverpool, with Jay Spearing. Morley-born Howson began his career as a box-to-box midfielder with Leeds, making over 200 appearances in all competitions and playing an important part in getting them out of League One before moving to Norwich City in 2012. He did not work with current Leeds manager Daniel Farke, joining Middlesbrough when the German arrived in 2017. Howson made 15 Championship starts last season and then-coach Michael Carrick was keen to keep him but he has opted to take a step away from first-team football to start out in coaching. “Once I heard...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United’s opening weekend visitors Everton have landed a major signing one week before their visit to Elland Road. Leeds United’s first opponents of the new Premier League season Everton have given themselves a major boost by agreeing a season-long loan deal for a £100m star. Doubt has concerned the future of Manchester City star Jack Grealish amid limited game time for Pep Guardiola’s side and Everton expressed an interest in taking the England international midfielder on loan. One week ahead of their Monday night opener at Elland Road, Everton have now agreed a season-long deal with City, leaving the England star in line to make his Toffees debut against Daniel Farke’s Whites. Taking to social media platform X, transfer guru journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote: “EXCL: Jack Grealish to Everton, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Man City and medical booked later today. Grealish said yes to #EFC project and he’s now set to complete his move in next 24 hours. New...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Saturday’s final pre-season friendly against AC Milan at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Leeds United took over Dublin in a show of strength that had the city talking from Friday right through to Sunday. It was an invasion and it looked and sounded incredible. There was a football game too, drawn 1-1. AC Milan may not have played their full strength side but it was still a test for the Whites and one in which they gave a good account of themselves. Here's the YEP take. Good day Anton Stach The big man appeared to have it all against AC Milan. Physicality, strength, vision, a good touch, a nice pass and a wicked shot. As far as pre-season friendly displays go, this one was top class. It bodes well if he can reproduce that sort of form week in and week out in English football. Leeds United and the pubs of Dublin To sell out the Aviva Stadium is absolutely incredible but to see the streets of Dublin just packed wi...

By Graham Smyth Graham Smyth’s Verdict as Leeds United rounded off their pre-season campaign with a draw against AC Milan. Leeds United ended their pre-season with a solid display in a 1-1 draw against a weakened AC Milan side at a sold out Aviva in Dublin. For fans it was the occasion that overshadowed the game itself. The streets of Dublin were awash with yellow, white and blue all weekend but especially on matchday as thousands descended upon the Irish capital from all over the island, England and beyond. Scandinavians mixed with Yorkshire folk in the pubs of Temple Bar and locals welcomed their Leeds brethren from north of the border to establishments along the route to the Aviva. It wasn't all expensive pints of black stuff, singalongs and sight-seeing though. There was a game to be played and an important point to hammer home on the pitch. Leeds' return to the Premier League was celebrated in proper fashion in the city of Leeds but for it to mean anything more tha...

Daniel Farke is right to be worried over one position, new signing set for a big impact and it's hard to see this player sticking around: THINGS WE LEARNED from Leeds' 1-1 draw with AC Milan By AADAM PATEL Leeds extended their unbeaten pre-season run after drawing 1-1 with AC Milan. Daniel Farke's side started quickly, Anton Stach cracking an effort off the crossbar and Willy Gnonto spurning a golden chance, but found themselves behind. Right back Isaac Schmidt was caught out, and Santiago Gimenez arrived at the far post to finish a devilish cross on the half-hour mark. The Whites dominated after the interval and earned their reward when Stach's cross-shot fizzed through a crowd of bodies and nestled in the bottom corner. Here, Daily Mail Sport reporter AADAM PATEL reveals five things he learned from this Saturday afternoon fixture at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Daniel Farke admitted last weekend that in attack, his side were not ready for the Premier Leagu...

By Ben Dixon AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Premier League side Leeds United on Saturday afternoon. A result that many could be frustrated with. The first of a double header weekend against two Premier League sides, there was a lot of anticipation for what the line-up would be for the first of the games. Though there were not too many shocks. Key players were rested, whilst Santiago Gimenez came into the starting XI after returning from his holiday earlier this week. Interestingly, Emanuele Sala and Vittorio Magni started, but even they were not the headlines. Instead, it was a debut for Ardon Jashari, who signed for the club this week. As first halves go, Milan were not fantastic value for money. It was quite tame with it not being a dominant opening period. However, Allegri’s side defended rather well, and then eventually got their chance to go ahead at the end of the half. A typical poacher finish from Santiago Gimenez, who needed to put in a good shift back in Rosson...

Signing number nine of the summer has arrived at the MKM Stadium Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent Championship club Hull City have signed Joe Gelhardt from Premier League new boys Leeds United on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Gelhardt spent the second half of last season on loan at City, becoming a firm favourite both in the Tigers' dressing room and amongst supporters on the terraces, with numerous members of the playing squad doing their bit to convince him to return over the summer months, including Charlie Hughes and Kyle Joseph. New head coach Sergej Jakirovic was impressed with the 23-year-old's performances in a struggling team last term and believes the Liverpudlian can thrive in his system this season as a number 10 behind the striker, or through the middle on his own. Jakirovic questioned the decision to deploy Gelhardt off the flanks at times last season, instead suggesting the best way to get him impacting games would be to play hi...

Mateo Joseph has admitted that he "would have preferred things to end differently" in an emotional message to the Leeds United fans following his loan move to RCD Mallorca. Daniel Farke said last month that Joseph had requested to leave Elland Road for a Spanish club. According to Farke, Joseph declined to travel to Sweden or Germany with the squad for pre-season preparation. The Spain Under 21s international made it clear to Farke that he saw his future in his homeland, with Real Betis and Girona both exploring a move. However, Leeds rejected loan offers which included pre-agreed options to buy. With Joseph having three years left on his contract, Leeds had no urgency to sell a striker they see potential in and therefore preferred a straight loan or an outright permanent deal worth his asking price, believed to be £8.6million. Mallorca, who finished 10th in La Liga last season, then came in with a season-long loan offer and Leeds decided to accept it. Indeed, the Whi...

Forward makes temporary switch to La Liga outfit. Leeds United can confirm Mateo Joseph has joined RCD Mallorca on a season-long loan deal. The 21-year-old forward has made 73 first team appearances for the Whites and contributed towards Daniel Farke’s side being crowned champions last season. We wish Mateo good luck at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.

By Lee Sobot A Championship side are closing in on the capture of a Leeds United striker. Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt is closing in on a move to a Championship side after changes in an initial preferred stance. Now 23, Gelhardt spent the second half of last season on loan with the Tigers after struggling for game time with Daniel Farke’s Championship-winning Whites. Gelhardt netted five goals in 20 appearances for Hull as they narrowly avoided the drop and the forward has not been involved with the Leeds first team this summer after returning from his loan spell. Initial Leeds stance was for a permanent transfer Hull were keen to bring the attacker back to Humberside and the initial stance from Leeds was a desire for a permanent transfer. Hull, though, wanted to get a deal done as soon as possible and the Whites have agreed that Gelhardt can instead join the Tigers on loan with a deal now close to completion. Gelhardt has two years left on his Leeds deal which run...

by Kwadwo Hemeng After what Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said after the Villarreal game, many fans would expect more deals to be completed in the coming days. They are right, but it may not be the deals they expect. Farke has called for new additions especially in the attack after seeing how the team did in their pre-season tests. The recent injuries to players in camp has now made the situation any better. Some players are doubts to be fit in time for the season opener against Everton. One thing that Leeds fans should expect in the coming weeks is departures. Many players could be headed out of Elland Road as the window draws to a close. At this point in the season, some clubs are getting desperate after missing out on their major targets. After missing out on training camp in Germany, Joseph was spotted at the Villarreal game. When Farke was asked about the youngster’s future, he had this to say: “He has made his decisions anyhow, that he didn’t feel ready to train with u...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United are pushing ahead with plans to expand and develop Elland Road. Leeds United Supporters' Trust (LUST) say the club have ‘reassured’ them the South Stand will house mostly home fans even in the event of away-end ‘overspill’ into some sections. Leeds are continuing to progress with plans to expand and develop Elland Road with their target capacity of 53,000 a significant increase on the current 36,000 maximum. Planning applications were submitted earlier this summer but within the documents, a proposal to move away fans from the West Stand into the South Stand raised serious concerns. The club are yet to make any official comment on the proposal and while sources insist nothing is set in stone, there has been push-back from fans who see the South Stand as the beating hub of Elland Road on matchdays. LUST have previously insisted they are ‘strongly against’ the idea and on Thursday provided a fresh update regarding talks with Leeds. A statement ...

By Huzaifah Khan Jack Harrison has returned to Elland Road this summer after back-to-back seasons on loan at Everton. Jack Harrison has finally returned to Leeds United after two spells playing Premier League football at Goodison Park and his situation is creating plenty of debate. He had an underwhelming season last year, where he only contributed with one goal in 32 appearances and he is now back in the Leeds side this pre-season as the squad gears up for a return to top-flight action. There has been no clarity on his future and the English attacker is yet to come out to confirm whether he’d like to move away in this window or stay and contribute to Leeds’ expected survival fight. The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Chief Football Writer Graham Smyth has had his say on the Harrison situation in his Inside Elland Road newsletter this week. Graham explained: “Jack Harrison is a Leeds United player until such a time as he is not and there are bigger things to worry about, but it is...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United have now officially released all three kits for their 2025/26 Premier League return. Leeds United say their abstract 2025/26 third kit is inspired by the scarves often seen twirling around Elland Road during matchdays. The club’s third and final kit was officially released on Thursday morning, although an early upload on the official Adidas website gave supporters a chance to see it a few hours earlier. The predominantly black design is brightened up by abstract patterns of blue, yellow and white which represent the scarves often in view as fans sing ‘we are the champions, champions of Europe’. While Leeds’ 2025/26 home kit launch was met with a mixed response, last month’s away release proved a huge success as the club drew inspiration from their iconic 2001-2003 Strongbow-sponsored away shirt. The club say their third and final design blends ‘modern style with timeless appeal’ and will officially be available to purchase from Friday morning. A ...

No Perri, no party Words by: Chris McMenamy Going to Elland Road on Saturday felt like what I expected most Oasis fans to encounter when they first announced their return: missing faces. I assumed, fairly, that the brothers would fall out and/or there’d be a show where one of them — probably Liam — didn’t turn up. Lucas Perri was Liam Gallagher on Saturday, for me. I’d been hoping to catch a glimpse of Leeds’ burly Brazilian goalkeeper but injury meant we were treated to the creature comfort that is Karl Darlow in goal. The new faces lining up at Elland Road for the first time were Sean Longstaff, Gabi Gudmundsson, Anton Stach and Lukas Nmecha, with Jaka Bijol on the bench and Sebastiaan Bornauw joining Perri on the injured list. The sole novelty in the visitors’ teamsheet was seeing 2017 Leeds winger Alfonso Pedraza on the bench, whose appearance in the second half caused a split between the old and ‘new’ Leeds fans, many of whom were confused when Villarreal’s substitute left...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s verdict and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 1-1 draw against Villarreal at Elland Road in the club’s penultimate pre-season friendly. Leeds United are edging closer to a Premier League return with just one more friendly left to play now that a 1-1 draw with Villarreal is in the books. It was far from a thriller at Elland Road but there were positives to take, particularly for two individuals involved in the Whites goal. It was far from a good day for others, however. Here's the YEP take on Leeds' battle with LaLiga opposition. Good day Joel Piroe Another game, another goal. The Dutchman knows where the net is and with no new number 9 in the door yet, Piroe has put together a good case to start up top against Everton if the need arises. Lukas Nmecha has also looked sharp but Piroe's status as the club's best finisher appears to remain untouched. It helps that he came back for pre-season in such good shape too, because he wil...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United drew 1-1 with Villarreal in their penultimate pre-season friendly as Daniel Farke’s transfer needs crystallised at Elland Road. The penultimate friendly of pre-season is ordinarily when you want to take a step closer to the team that will run out on the opening day, but this was not that. Perhaps in one way it was because it crystallised the urgency and the needs that remain in Leeds United's summer transfer window. But with the attacking additions and new full-back not yet in situ, it cannot be said that a 1-1 draw with Villareal told Daniel Farke much about who his best XI will be when the window closes. Farke’s 24/25 decision vindicated What it did was provide retrospective evidence to back up Farke's 2024/25 decision making in at least one position and offer a vital reassurance when it comes to big league opposition. On the first point, Farke started Isaac Schmidt at right-back, a player he knows won't start there in the Premier Le...

Inside Daniel Farke's giant survival plan: Why Leeds made physicality and set-pieces the focus of their summer - and the one key position they still want to strengthen, writes AADAM PATEL By AADAM PATEL and JONNY COOPER The running joke at Leeds United this summer is that if you aren’t around 26 years old and tall, then the chances are the club aren’t interested. And in reality, that is very much the plan, with all seven signings at Elland Road so far at least 5ft 11in and around their prime. When the recruitment team at Leeds set out their strategy for the transfer window and their bid to stay up, physicality and set-pieces were keywords. As one Leeds source told Mail Sport: ‘Physicality was something we lacked last season and something we identified as one of the major things we needed to improve if we want to compete in the Premier League. It’s no secret either that we had to get better at set-pieces.’ Of the 1,115 goals in the Premier League last season, 229 (20.5 p...

By AADAM PATEL Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal at Elland Road in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Saturday. Joel Piroe grabbed a well-taken equaliser in the second half after the visitors had gone ahead through Etta Eyong. A lively crowd of 35,273 turned out to watch Daniel Farke's side take on last season's fifth-placed team in La Liga. There were encouraging signs from some of the new arrivals, particularly in midfield, but questions remain elsewhere. Concerns over the striker situation persist, while Jack Harrison's continued absence only adds to the uncertainty. AADAM PATEL was at Elland Road for Mail Sport and has noted down five things we learned from Saturday's friendly. Flexible Farke shows tactical pragmatism Daniel Farke has spoken about flexibility when it comes to formations during pre-season. The early signs are that when Leeds come up against weaker opposition, they will set up in a 4-2-3-1 as they did during mo...

Harry Dimond Leeds United continued their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Villarreal, as there was plenty to pick out. As Daniel Farke’s side continue their preparation ahead of their return to the Premier League, a gruelling test against Spanish outfit Villarreal took place. Leeds played their first game of the season at Elland Road as the Whites faithful could get a glimpse of what Farke’s side have been working on. It was also a chance to see new signings from the window in action, as Anton Stach made his first impression in front of the Whites crowd. Lukas Nmecha has impressed in pre-season so far, but it was an opportunity for a few others to get their own plaudits, whilst it’s obvious one player needs a move, and quickly. Anton Stach already looks like a steal for Leeds United As mentioned, it was a chance for the fanbase to see 6’4 Stach in action in the heart of Leeds’ midfield, and it’s safe to say, he didn’t disappoint. After Stach grabbed an assist on his ...