Mighty Leeds Weblog

Kris Smith Leeds United are not the only club coming under the 49ers Enterprises’ stewardship this summer after a huge takeover of Rangers up in Scotland, and Paraag Marathe’s newest comments are good news for both. The 49ers’ ambition extends well beyond getting Leeds back into the Premier League as an established outfit, but is looking to see them competing with the big boys once more, as well as making Rangers regular challengers in the Scottish Premiership once more. They have a long way to go in catching up to their Glasgow rivals Celtic, but proof of their capacity for a rebuild is there in Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight, something Leeds fans hope is capitalised on with survival. Paraag Marathe makes 49ers, Rangers transfer admission that Leeds United will benefit from too It’s a huge summer for both clubs coming under the 49ers umbrella, and the pressure is on chairman Paraag Marathe to deliver the goods both at Leeds, as well as at Ibrox where he is vice-chai...

By Kyle Newbould The Leeds United striker’s 2024/25 season is finally over following Spain Under-21s European Championship defeat to England. Mateo Joseph has vowed to keep ‘working and growing’ ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League return following Spain Under-21s’ European Championship exit. Joseph was part of the Spain side who lost 3-1 to England Under-21s in Saturday’s quarter-final meeting, with goals from James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson sending Lee Carsley’s side through to the last four. A hard-fought clash boiled over after full-time with former Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell heavily involved, while Archie Gray was also spotted trying to calm things down. A number of Spain players appeared angry with Cresswell as former teammate Joseph also attempted to ease tensions, but the Leeds player was clearly devastated with his nation's early exit. The 21-year-old scored one goal in his three U21 European Championship appearances and also missed a penal...

Aheed Abrar Illan Meslier could soon be on his way out of Leeds United after a disastrous end to the season for the goalkeeper at Elland Road. Daniel Farke dropped the ex-Lorient ace from his starting lineup at the end of the previous campaign as he consistently made glaring errors. Karl Darlow was trusted at Elland Road, and it would be surprising to see the French shot-stopper retaining his place at the Whites after Premier League promotion. Galatasaray have wanted to sign Meslier [Omercan Ozmen], and he’s now set to jet away for good soon, with his future likely away from West Yorkshire. Fenerbahce have reached an agreement with Leeds goalkeeper Meslier over a transfer this summer, according to Ajansspor. The news outlet reported on X (23 June) that the Turkish outfit are set to sign the French shot-stopper to replace Dominik Livakovic. It’s been claimed that the 25-year-old is expected to travel to Istanbul this weekend, with his stint at Elland Road seemingly coming ...

Will Butcher Leeds United have finally announced a deal to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese, with the Slovenian star putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Elland Road. Leeds fans were made to wait after reports claimed last Wednesday that the 26-year-old defender had passed a medical at Elland Road. Yet, it has taken until Monday evening for Leeds to announce a move. The 63-time Slovenia international has penned a five-year contract at Leeds, which is expected to last until the summer of 2030. Bijol becomes Leeds’ second summer signing after bringing in Lukas Nmecha. Initial reports, however, suggested that Leeds had paid an £18.75m fee to sign Bijol from Udinese. A fee that would make Bijol Slovenia’s second-most-expensive transfer ever. But that is now not the case. Sky Sports share the true amount Leeds are paying for Jaka Bijol The 49ers have handed Leeds a whopping £150m transfer budget and making a few savings here and there will be key in helping Leeds bring in...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Slovenian international defender Jaka Bijol. The 26-year-old signs a long-term contract at Elland Road, joining from Udinese for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £15 million. Bijol emerged as a top defensive target earlier this summer and Leeds have moved swiftly to secure his signature despite late, reported interest from Premier League rivals. The 6ft 4in centre-back is renowned for his aerial prowess in both boxes and can play with the ball at his feet, too, occasionally switching play to wingers further upfield. Last week, he flew in for a medical after tying the knot with his partner, undergoing the customary pre-signing physical tests on Wednesday. Bijol is vastly experienced at international level having earned 63 caps for his country, the first of which whilst still a teenager. He also appeared at the most recent UEFA European Championships, featuring in Slovenia's 0-0 draw with England i...

Defender becomes our second arrival of the summer window. Leeds United are delighted to announce that Jaka Bijol has joined the club from Italian side Udinese for an undisclosed fee. The towering central defender has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, committing his future at Elland Road until 2030. The 26-year-old makes the move from the Serie A club after enjoying a stellar season in Italy, where he made 37 appearances across all competitions during the last campaign, scoring twice. Beginning his career with Rudar Velenje in his homeland, Bijol joins the Whites with a wealth of experience from stints in Russia and Germany, before then linking up with Udinese in 2022. Showing his versatility by originally plying his trade as a defensive midfielder, the Slovenian switched to what has become a familiar role in the heart of defence prior to joining Le Zebrette, with whom he made almost 100 appearances, taking his club total to over 250 matches. Included within those, our n...

Leeds Live spoke to Leeds United great Howard Wilkinson as the project celebrated its launch event “Honoured. Embarrassed. Surprised.” Howard Wilkinson listed his emotions at the idea he could get a Leeds United statue. There is perhaps no better place to launch a campaign for the Whites legend to be immortalised in bronze than the Old Peacock Pub, a central hub of the fan community and just a goal-kick away from Elland Road. Around 40 Leeds United diehards attended the gathering in the side room on a warm Monday evening. The event was both passionate and modest, much like Wilkinson himself who sat over to the far side next to wife Sam. He hardly wanted to be the centre of attention. Those standing up at the front gave him no choice, though, as some of the 1992 title winners waxed lyrical about the great man, who celebrates his 82nd birthday this year. The likes of Gary McAllister and Tony Dorigo, battling a temperamental microphone, offered anecdotes of that season. “When I ...

Parking has also been another concern raised by Leeds United supporters and local residents Leeds United do not hold plans to rename Elland Road, Leeds Live understands, amid questions from some supporters about the funding of the planned stadium expansion work. Queries have been raised by a number of fans over how the stadium development will be funded, with some being fearful that the club could offer up the chance of buying naming rights in a bid to drum up cash for the project. However, club sources have made it clear that the 49ers do not hold any such plans and that they recognise the iconic name the stadium bears and the history attached to it. The idea is for the expansion to pay for itself, with the money gained from it going towards paying it off. Much like a house mortgage, money will be lent with this cash to be repaid. This could lead to a probable increase in ticket prices by completion but sources railed against the suggestion that there could be a rapid ‘hike’. ...

by Kwadwo Hemeng When the season ended, Leeds United fans were given some promises by the club’s ownership. The Elland Road faithful were eager to hear what the plan was after the club secured promotion and won the league title. Club chairman Paraag Marathe came out and vowed to the fans that the ownership will take next season seriously. And that Leeds will ‘spend every penny‘ to maintain their status as a Premier League club: Together we are going to build the best squad we can with every penny we are allowed to spend to compete in the Premier League. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy. I know all the stats, that last season’s three promoted clubs went right back down.” It has been just two weeks into the summer window, and it looks like the club is delivering on their promise. Lukas Nmecha has been confirmed, while a deal for Jaka Bijol is in the works. Fans will also be excited to hear that Leeds will be in the market for another striker this summer. This r...

Adam Elliott Jaka Bijol is set to sign for Leeds United in the coming days after the Whites agreed a fee with Udinese for the centre-back. Bijol is the perfect target for Leeds this summer for a relegation battle and then firm interest materialised between Leeds and the Slovenian Bijol. In recent days, it has been revealed Leeds’ first bid for Bijol was knocked back and there was said to be work to do in terms of agreeing a fee for the giant central defender. Bijol already agreed to move to England and all that was left was for Leeds to secure the deal ahead of reported interest from Newcastle in Bijol. It seems as though a breakthrough has now been found. Recently, it was reported that Bijol had given Leeds his word to join the club this summer but further developments have arisen since Bijol stated he wants a fresh start away from Udinese this summer. Now, Bijol’s agents are flying over following reports that the amount separating Leeds and Udinese in their valuation of B...

By Matilda Battersby The plans are intended to replace the 2007 proposals Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on its plans for the future regeneration of land surrounding the Elland Road football stadium, with up to 2,500 new homes proposed. If agreed, the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ will guide the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium which is principally owned by the council. The draft plans include between 1,500 and 2,500 new homes as well as commercial and leisure opportunities including a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, workspaces and educational facilities linked to sport, health and wellbeing. The proposals outline the relocation of the temporary park and ride currently at the site and how, subject to demand, one or more multi-storey car parks could be permitted. The land has been allocated for development for a number of years, however the previous guidance for the land was adopted ...

By Graham Smyth Legendary ex-Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson has one small request when it comes to marking his Elland Road legacy. There have long been calls for the club to pay a lasting tribute to Wilkinson for not only guiding Leeds back to the top flight in 1990 but leading them to a First Division title two years later and helping to establish a talent production line at Thorp Arch. The opening of Leeds' first modern academy and training facility led to the development of a high number of homegrown stars who either represented the club or brought in crucial transfer fees. Though former club owner Andrea Radrizzani once proposed renaming the training ground after Marcelo Bielsa, many Leeds fans have called for it to be renamed in Wilkinson's honour due to his input and legacy. There is also now a campaign to have Wilkinson's contribution to Leeds United officially recognised with a statue. WILKO92 - The Howard Wilkinson Legacy Project is a fan-driven camp...

Legendary ex-Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson has one small request when it comes to marking his Elland Road legacy. There have long been calls for the club to pay a lasting tribute to Wilkinson for not only guiding Leeds back to the top flight in 1990 but leading them to a First Division title two years later and helping to establish a talent production line at Thorp Arch. The opening of Leeds' first modern academy and training facility led to the development of a high number of homegrown stars who either represented the club or brought in crucial transfer fees. Though former club owner Andrea Radrizzani once proposed renaming the training ground after Marcelo Bielsa, many Leeds fans have called for it to be renamed in Wilkinson's honour due to his input and legacy. There is also now a campaign to have Wilkinson's contribution to Leeds United officially recognised with a statue. Howard Wilkinson Leeds legacy WILKO92 - The Howard Wilkinson Legacy Project is a f...

German international will join the Whites upon expiration of his current contract. Leeds United are delighted to announce Lukas Nmecha has agreed to join the club on an initial two-year contract when his current deal expires at VfL Wolfsburg. The 26-year-old forward will officially become a Leeds United player on July 1st and is the first confirmed arrival for Daniel Farke’s side of the summer transfer window, having spent the last four years playing in the Bundesliga. Born in Hamburg, the forward began his early playing career in Manchester City’s academy and made his Premier League debut in 2018, before then gaining further experience on loan at Preston North End, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht. Having also spent time on loan with Wolfsburg, he then made the move permanent and has since played 73 games, scoring 19 times in the league and cup. He has scored 43 goals in senior football matches in Germany, England, Belgium, in all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League....

 By Joe Donnohue YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth has revealed how Leeds United are scouting and signing players under the new, 49ers-led regime. This summer's transfer window could prove to be the most crucial in recent years for Leeds with Premier League survival paramount for the club to achieve their future goals on and off the pitch. United have a team of scouts, analysts and deal negotiators to identify and pursue players they feel can bolster and improve Daniel Farke's squad with a view to remaining in the top flight for the long haul. Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast this week, YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth provided an insight into how Leeds' transfer process works internally, from start to finish. "One of the big questions we could probably try and address that a lot of people are saying is: Who's making the calls? "How many people have said to us, 'Are there concerns about the lack of experience in the room wh...

By Kyle Newbould The latest news on Leeds United’s planned expansion and development of Elland Road. Elland Road could look very different in a few year’s time as Leeds United kick on with ambitions to expand their iconic stadium. Plans to increase the capacity from 37,645 to 53,000 were confirmed last season and since promotion was secured in April, those have begun to accelerate. As well as the significant increase in seats, Leeds hope to bring Elland Road in line with UEFA’s elite as a Category 4 stadium, improving the facilities and therefore the match-going fan experience. The club have already released detailed plans which include exciting images of how things could look, while Council approval has also moved the needle. Elland Road regeneration Fresh proposals surrounding the development of the area surrounding Elland Road have been labelled a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ by deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Co...

Harry Dimond Elland Road is set for an exciting future with the 49ers leading plans for an expansion. With their plans in place for Leeds United’s stadium, Elland Road, to be expanded, updates will follow continuously. The council gave agreement for the expansion, which means a 53,000-seat stadium is now being outlined, with the West Stand and North Stand getting major renovations. It’s reported that work on constructing the new-look stand is not expected to begin until May 2026 and won’t be completed until late 2028. As for the North, work isn’t expected to be done until 2030, but away from that, there is a new update surrounding the expansion, which Leeds fans will want to hear. With excitement building around the expansion, West Yorkshire will soon see a work of art, not that Fortress Elland isn’t already. There is a supposed naming rights deal in the works for Elland Road as the 49ers are pulling out all the stops to ensure the new expansion is of an elite level. Ti...

Journalist reveals that Leeds United will have ‘financial advantage’ over some Premier League clubs – Red Bull funding playing a big role Kwadwo Hemeng Leeds United fans are highly expectant of some serious transfer business this summer. This comes in anticipation of the club’s return to top flight football. Elland Road is set to host Premier League games again, and Leeds are keen on making that last. Club chairman Paraag Marathe promised that there will be some spending during this window as the club aims to maintain their top flight status. The Whites will benefit from a sizeable budget, with investments from Red Bull and the 49ers. So far, Leeds have been targeting players from the Premier League, and some big clubs in Europe. Some signings are in the pipeline. Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the Whites will be a ‘threat’ to some Premier League clubs when it comes to spending power this summer: “But Leeds are using the Red Bull resources, the 49ers. Leeds will be ...

 

By Charles Gray Further proposals for a “once-in-a-generation” rebuild of the area around Elland Road have been shared that include building up to 2,000 new homes and relocating the Park and Ride service. Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on refreshed planning guidance for the future regeneration of land surrounding the football stadium, stating that the work could deliver a multi-billion pound boost to the local economy and see new facilities established. The council is consulting on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’, which will inform the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium that is principally owned by the council. The football club itself is currently pushing ahead with plans to expand the stadium capacity from nearly 38,000 to as much as 56,000. If the refreshed guidance is agreed, the land around the stadium could be transformed with the potential for as many as 2,000 new homes alongside high quali...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United fan Robert Endeacott has done plenty of work inside Elland Road and is now responsible for a colourful tribute opposite Billy’s Bar. It’ll be a couple of months until any real number of Leeds United fans descend on Elland Road again, but waiting for them just outside the stadium is another beautiful mural. Just like the city centre, Elland Road and the area surrounding it is becoming a canvas for painters and muralists like Robert Endeacott. You will likely have seen his work inside the stadium. He did the full-wall tribute to Jack Charlton in the East Stand stairwell, the ‘We Are Leeds’ piece across the East Stand executive box roofs and plenty more colourful nods to heroes past and present. His latest piece is coming along nicely too, this time outside the ground and over the road from Billy’s Bar. It’s an area fellow Leeds fan Andy Taylor plans to turn into a Leeds-themed carwash and, for someone like Robert, presented another blank canvas for w...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has jointly vowed to restore the 49ers' newly-acquired Rangers to the summit of Scottish football in an open letter to Gers supporters. The 49ers Enterprises executive and Leeds board member will undertake a new role at Ibrox as vice chair following the club's acquisition by a consortium, which features the 49ers' Global Football Group. In conjunction with American business mogul Andrew Cavenagh, Marathe has penned an open letter to fans of the historic Scottish club, vowing to bring glory days back to Ibrox via a careful and strategic plan. "Dear Rangers Supporters, we are proud to be entering a new chapter for this extraordinary club," it began, following an official takeover announcement on Friday, May 30. "This moment is the result of months of thoughtful discussions with club leadership and our shared confidence in Rangers’ success going forward. To that end we’d like to tell you a bit about ou...

The 28th May 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Leeds United's date with Bayern Munich in the Parc des Princes, when both sides contested the European Cup Final. At a time when only the Champions entered the tournament, Leeds United earned its place in European football's most prestigious club competition by winning the First Division title in 1973-74 under the management of Don Revie - his last season in the hot seat, before taking the England job. It was Jimmy Armfield who steered 'Super Leeds' to Paris having taken over as manager when Brian Clough's unpopular reign came to an end just 44 days after his bewildering appointment. The Whites successfully defeated FC Zurich, Ujpest Dosza, Anderlecht and Barcelona on the way to Paris and hopes were high that the huge trophy would return with the team to Elland Road. Having finished ninth in the First Division, Chairman Manny Cussins admitted that Leeds had to win the European Cup and re-enter the competition t...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United fan Ed O'Brien says he is doing 'very well' after suffering a fall whilst celebrating the club's Championship title parade. O'Brien fell from a tree in Leeds city centre on Monday, May 5 as United fans gathered en masse to celebrate the team's Championship title. He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with life-threatening injuries, spending a number of days in a coma before waking a week after the accident. Following the incident, Ed's mum Stacey Barker said in a statement to the YEP: "Last Monday our son, Edward, suffered serious life threatening injuries as a result of a fall in Millennium Square during the Leeds United winners parade. That evening we were given the worst news a parent could ever hear, the news that there was a possibility that we’d never take our son home. "Since then, Edward’s dad and I have spent every day at his bedside as the amazing team at the LGI have worked what I can only describe ...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been crowned the League Manager's Association (LMA) Championship Manager of the Year. The Leeds boss was voted the second tier's Manager of the Year by peers and colleagues at the LMA annual awards dinner this week. Farke led the Whites to the Championship title, amassing 100 points over 46 games, to return the club to the top flight after narrowly missing out on promotion the season prior. The German's latest title triumph was his third time winning the Championship following two previous victories with Norwich City in 2019 and 2021. Attentions have already turned to who Leeds will sign in the close season to bolster Farke's squad with a whole host of players linked, before the transfer window has even opened. Despite speculation surrounding the manager's position, which has since been quashed by Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe, Farke will be given the opportunity to lead the team in the Premier League...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United are named as one of two Premier League clubs reportedly interested in making a move for Gustavo Hamer this summer. The Whites and Everton are reportedly interested in signing the Blades' playmaker following their play-off final defeat by Sunderland last weekend. Sheffield United will remain in the second tier for another season and are expected to make player sales to make up for the lost revenue of missing out on Premier League football in 2025/26. Hamer was crowned Championship Player of the Season this year, beating Leeds' Dan James and Burnley's James Trafford to the award after 10 goals and eight assists for Chris Wilder's side. Since arriving in English football initially with Coventry City, the Brazil-born Dutchman has impressed in the EFL and was one of Sheffield United's more consistent players in the top flight as the team were relegated in 2023/24. During that season, Hamer scored four and made seven assists for th...