Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Graham Smyth The YEP has been given the inside story of Leeds United’s pursuit of Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão and the lengths they went to for a deal that was scuppered by Marseille. Leeds United's chairman, managing director, sporting director, manager and a brand new signing all spent time on the phone to Igor Paixão to try and get a €35m deal done before the player opted for Marseille. Club sources have revealed that although the Whites received email confirmation that Feyenoord had agreed to the terms and their salary offer was agreeable to Paixão's camp, sporting director Adam Underwood never felt like a deal was done and rated their chances at 50 to 60 per cent. But the situation was a far cry from the landscape that greeted Leeds two months ago. The YEP understands that at the outset of the transfer window Paixão was not available to Leeds because of his wage demands and price tag a reluctant Feyenoord would attach to their star winger. But having watched and...

By Huzaifah Khan The latest news on Leeds United’s Elland Road expansion plans as they await their Premier League return. Elland Road is a ground many fans in the Premier League will be both excited and apprehensive to visit, with its history known across the land, and many will know how hard the Leeds United faithful make it for visiting sides when they’re Marching on Together. The ground can be a cauldron of noise and Daniel Farke’s side really need it to be a fortress to have any chance of survival next season. There are big plans by the ownership structure as 49ers Enterprises look to grow the club further, with one of the main talking points being expanding the iconic Elland Road stadium. The current capacity stands at 37,645, but if Leeds want to meet the growing demand for games and increase their match day revenue, they need to think about increasing that number. Here is a round-up of the latest news surrounding plans to develop one of England’s most famous football gro...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United have missed out on a top transfer target in Igor Paixão but it’s not the first time this summer - and the reaction to last time was impressive. The transfer saga will soon be over but it’s not the outcome Leeds United wanted. Igor Paixão is expected to be a Marseille player next season after the French club agreed a deal with Feyenoord. An initial £28m will match their transfer record and any add-ons will break it, with hope inside Elland Road of a statement signing dashed. The YEP reported earlier this month on meetings between Leeds and Paixão’s representatives, meetings in which Elland Road chiefs hoped to sell their project. They showed videos of last season’s incredible celebrations and pointed to the trajectory of fellow Brazilian Raphinha as an example of how well things can go. But if reports from France are to be believed, Paixão always wanted Marseille and their spot in next season’s Champions League might explain why. Roberto De Zerbi’...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United will have a new sponsor on their shirts for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. Leeds United have confirmed online sports betting company Parimatch will become the club’s official shirt sleeve sponsor next season. Parimatch will replace home energy installer BOXT on the left sleeve of their 2025/26 shirts, with Leeds back in the Premier League following last season’s Championship title win. The betting brand will also be seen around Elland Road during matchdays. Leeds have so far released their home and away kits for the upcoming Premier League campaign, with the third kit expected to follow. A statement from the club said: “Leeds United are pleased to announce a new official partnership with Parimatch, who will become the club’s official sleeve partner for the men’s first team. Parimatch is a global entertainment company with over 30 years of experience in sports betting and gaming. The brand has been seen in the Premier League previously and is ...

Latest Leeds United transfer news and gossip with an update on the future of Feyenoord star Igor Paixao Leeds United have been handed a major blow to their hopes of signing Feyenoord star Igor Paixao. United had expressed an interest in signing the Brazilian winger this summer to add to their seven new additions that have already been completed in this summer's transfer window. Paixao has previously been linked with Liverpool and now looks set to join a new club, but it won't be Leeds if the latest reports are to be believed. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Marseille have won the race to sign Paixao this summer. The report claims that the forward has chosen to join the Ligue 1 club despite multiple efforts from Leeds to try and persuade Paixao to move to Elland Road. The update comes after reports in France stated Leeds had submitted a £26million bid to Feyenoord as they pushed to sign Paixao. However, it seems their efforts will be in vain with th...

Facing forwards Written by: Rob Conlon First there was Pat Bamford. Then there was Mateo Joseph. But for the first time this summer, Leeds ended a friendly without news that a striker is heading out of the door. Which is good, because whether United sign Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz or not, both Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha continued their encouraging pre-seasons as Daniel Farke was left noting with his usual cautious optimism that Leeds’ plans are falling into place “step by step”. Farke was referring to the transfer work being done by Leeds’ newly-appointed “front row” of CEO Robbie Evans, sporting director Adam Underwood and head of recruitment Alex Davies. The trio haven’t so much as been thrown in the deep end but left, as Farke joked, “to swim with the sharks on Premier League level.” Goalkeeper Lucas Perri’s arrival from Lyon was confirmed after Leeds beat Paderborn, completing a solid foundation of defence and midfield, and speculation remains that a deal for Feyenoord’s tanta...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United have already loaned out Max Wober as Daniel Farke oversees his Premier League rebuild. Isaac Schmidt could be set to join Max Wober in Germany amid reports the defender has agreed a deal in principle to join Werder Bremen on loan. Schmidt was likely to spend another season on the fringes of first-team football at Leeds, having been used sparingly by Daniel Farke ever since his £2.5million arrival from St Gallen. The versatile full-back was described as a ‘young and exciting’ prospect by his manager and managed just 78 minutes of Championship action via 12 substitute appearances. The 25-year-old hasn’t yet featured for Leeds in pre-season due to a minor calf injury, albeit he watched from the stands in Stockholm and trained individually out in Germany. But it appears he could now be on the way out with Sky Germany reporting on a prospective move to Werder Bremen. In a post on X, journalist Patrick Berger claimed an agreement in principle had been ...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United are known to have lodged at least one bid for the Feyenoord winger. The transfer saga surrounding Leeds United’s pursuit of Igor Paixão looks set to take another twist as reports emerge from France surrounding a fresh Marseille bid. Leeds stepped up their interest in Paixão last week as the YEP reported on an official offer worth €30million (£26m), which came after transfer rivals Marseille appeared to be priced out. The French side had seen two bids, the latter thought to be worth around £24m, rejected by Feyenoord and appeared unable to go any higher. Elland Road chiefs waited patiently before making their move and according to Fabrizio Romano, have improved on that initial £26m offer in a bid to progress a deal. But it appears Marseille aren’t out of the race yet, with reports of a last-ditch effort to regain ground in the race. National French newspaper L’Equipe reported on Monday morning that Marseille are now planning to launch one final of...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United’s new giant German midfielder Anton Stach made his Whites debut in Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly v Paderborn. Anton Stach has given his Leeds United debut verdict with a Whites admission, thumbs up and ‘learning by doing’ stance. Giant German international midfielder Stach was unveiled as the club’s sixth signing of the summer at the start of last week but did not get his FIFA international clearance in time for Tuesday’s friendly against SC Verl. Stach, though, went straight into the starting line up for Saturday’s second behind-closed-doors friendly against SC Paderborn and helped his side to a 3-2 victory in which Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha bagged a goal apiece. Speaking post match to LUTV, Stach gave a general thumbs up to the performance and in particular keeping a clean sheet and indeed leading after a challenging first half. Stach, though, admitted his side would need to work on their defending after conceding twice ...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s second behind-closed-doors friendly in Germany against Paderborn. Leeds United will spend two more days in Germany before heading back home to finalise their Premier League preparations. The Whites won 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly against German second tier side Paderborn on Saturday thanks to goals from Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha. Sunday will bring more training sessions and they will be back out on the grass at their team base in Harsewinkel on Monday morning before travelling back to West Yorkshire. Here's the YEP take on the second game of the trip. Good day Luis Engelns The 18-year-old gave a very good account of himself against his dad's side. He looked good on the ball and though he was bodied a couple of times, he looked far from out of place against a big, physical newly-promoted Premier League side. Willy Gnonto If you're allowed to call something ...

Goalkeeper becomes seventh summer signing. Leeds United are delighted to confirm the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who joins from French Ligue 1 side Lyon subject to a work permit and international clearance. The 27-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the Whites, becoming the seventh confirmed summer addition for Daniel Farke’s side. Perri arrives at Elland Road on the back of a strong season with Lyon, where he played 45 matches across all competitions and kept 13 clean sheets on the way to helping OL qualify for European football. Starting his career with Brazilian giants São Paulo, Lucas made nine appearances in the first team, whilst also gained further experience on loan with Clube Náutico Capibaribe. In 2022, a move to fellow Brazilian side Botafogo for the 6ft 5’ stopper followed and he became a regular between the posts for Estrela Solitária, with many eye-catching performances. Interest in Perri from European clubs then brought a move to Lyon. ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United played their second behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly in Germany on Saturday afternoon. Leeds United played their second and final behind-closed-doors friendly of pre-season with a visit to German second tier side Paderborn. The Whites followed up Tuesday's win over SC Verl with a 3-2 victory over a side that boasted Daniel Farke's son in their midfield. Goals came from Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha in an often physical affair. Farke was without the injured Isaac Schmidt and Sebastiaan Bornauw, while teenage pair Sam Chambers and Harry Gray missed out through minor issues. It took a pair of blocks in front of goal to prevent the hosts from going ahead as Leeds defended the game's first corner. Joel Piroe got his body in the way of a shot and then Joe Rodon nodded clear the resulting set-piece. Seven minutes had gone before Leeds could launch an attack and their first was a simple, quick passing move. Joe Rodon to ...

The ex-Middlesbrough man has not been announced by Leeds yet Jonny Howson is set to become Leeds United's new player/coach at the under-21s as was revealed by LeedsLive earlier this week. The 37-year-old declined the chance to sign a one-year extension with Middlesbrough to instead return to where it all started, by switch ingto Leeds United's academy. The Morley-born midfielder has not been announced by Leeds as a new coach, with no word from Howson either since he left Boro at the start of the week, but LeedsLive understands the deal is done. While his switch to Leeds has not been confirmed by the club, it's no longer a secret with the veteran stepping out for a Leeds United XI this afternoon in a match against Hartlepool United. The game, a testimonial for long-serving Nicky Featherstone, sees the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt get minutes under their belt in a line-up that is a mixture of under-21s and under-18s, with a few first team players sprinkled ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United have made an official €30m-plus transfer bid for a marquee summer target. Leeds United have made an official bid for one of their summer transfer window marquee targets as they attempt to bolster Daniel Farke's attacking options. The YEP understands that Leeds have placed a bid of €30m for Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão, as per reports from Sky Sports. Earlier reports in Europe this week suggesting a €35m bid were wide of the mark but the Whites remain in negotiations with the Dutch side for a player they believe could be a difference maker in their Premier League survival fight. Leeds' recruitment efforts thus far have concentrated on putting the building blocks in place to make them difficult to play against and more physical. The vast majority of the first tranche of signings in the window have been defenders and midfielders. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri is now in the final stages of completing his €16m and €2m in add-ons move and going thr...

Josh Edwards Daniel Farke has been recognised for his achievements with Leeds United. Leeds will be no strangers to the task that awaits them in the Premier League this season, with all six of the last promoted teams falling straight back down into the Championship. However, after such an impressive campaign in the second tier, the Whites will have an air of optimism about them, and much of that will come from Farke. The German led the Whites to a 100-point season in the Championship, and has been recognised for his incredible contributions at Elland Road. Leeds boss recognised with new mural While there may be concerns over Farke’s record in the Premier League, his track record in the Championship is something that cannot be ignored. The Whites looked a level above every other side last season, and while they had a very good squad, the way Farke handled the campaign played a huge part in their success. Now, the German boss has been spotted in a brand new mural outside ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United are closing in on a deal for Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Leeds United are close to completing a deal for a first-choice goalkeeper as boxes continue to be ticked off Daniel Farke's wishlist. Leeds and Lyon are very close to finalising a deal that will see Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri link up with the Whites in Germany. Sources in France say the deal is in its final stages and the YEP understands Leeds will fly Perri to Germany in order to conduct a medical and complete the paperwork. Perri would be the second player to finalise a move to Elland Road at the club's German training base after Anton Stach's arrival this week. Perri, 27, would be Leeds' seventh summer transfer signing and another to add height to what was previously a small squad. The stopper has missed some of Lyon's pre-season preparations through a minor injury and sat out yesterday's 0-0 draw with Daring Brussels. Last season he impressed in Ligue 1 wit...

By Tom Coates Leeds United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon. In recent months, the Whites have been linked with a clutch of goalkeepers amid uncertainty over the future of Illan Meslier. The Frenchman has spent the bulk of the last six years as the number one at Elland Road, but was dislodged by Karl Darlow for the Championship run-in last term. Meslier has been linked with a move away from West Yorkshire, which has hardly come as a surprise given Leeds’ interest in recruiting a new stopper. Perri is among those to have been named as a target for the Whites and it appears the Premier League newcomers are set to secure his signature. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have agreed a deal to sign the 27-year-old. Writing on social media platform X, he said: “Leeds United have agreed deal in principle with OL for goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Medical tests booked and formal steps to follow, as Fabrice Hawkins reported. Deal in pl...

By Mark Carruthers Latest Leeds United transfer rumours as Fabrizio Romano gives update relating to the Whites Leeds United have been busy in the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League. The latest addition for Leeds this summer has been Anton Stach from Hoffenheim in a deal believed to be worth £17m. This was a transfer which closely followed the signing of Sean Longstaff last week from Newcastle United. These deals add to the signings of the likes of Lukas Nmecha and defensive trio Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson. But the Whites are far from done and are looking to add more talent to their squad. Fabrizio Romano on Leeds United transfer race Reports in recent weeks have suggested a goalkeeper is next on the agenda for Leeds United and there have been links with the likes of Lyon star Lucas Perri, Newcastle United stopper Nick Pope and Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic - although transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now re...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United remain interested in Igor Paixão who is also a target for French side Marseille. Leeds United remain very much interested in Igor Paixão but have alternative options ‘at the same level’ as the Feyenoord star, according to YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth. The YEP reported on links to Paixão earlier this month with Leeds chiefs meeting the Brazilian’s representatives in a bid to sell their project. Daniel Farke is known to want a marquee left-wing signing and is thought to see the 25-year-old as a potential match-winner in the Premier League, as evidenced by his return of 18 goals and 14 assists across all competitions last season. The latest from transfer rivals Marseille is that despite the player’s openness to a move, they have reportedly been unable to meet Feyenoord’s demands, which would equate to a club-record purchase for the French outfit. That could, of course, change very quickly and while Leeds certainly have a keen eye on the situ...

By Kyle Newbould Mateo Joseph has asked to leave Leeds United this summer after failing to report for pre-season in Germany. YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth believes Leeds United could bank even more money for Mateo Joseph in the current accounting year if they loan him out this summer. Joseph’s future at Elland Road has been cast into serious doubt following an admission from Daniel Farke that he has asked to leave. The 21-year-old was due to join his teammates in Germany this week but will now train with the Under-21s at Thorp Arch, with Farke insisting he will not keep players who don’t want to play for his side in the Premier League. The issue Joseph faces thus far is no one - heavily-linked Real Betis included - has been able to produce an offer Leeds deem good enough for their stance to change, with the striker still considered not for sale. But after reflecting on the difficult situation, Smyth explained how a season-long loan switch could benefit all parties. “...

Call the police Written by: Rob Conlon As the hour-long first half against SC Verl neared its conclusion, Dan James sprinted to catch up with Joel Piroe’s pass on a counter-attack, got to the ball to prevent it going out for a throw-in, and stopped for a breather alongside everyone else on the pitch desperate for a break. It goes without saying that Leeds United will face much tougher tests than 120 minutes against third-tier German opposition in the Premier League in 2025/26, but this was all about ticking off the boxes of hard graft designed to make sure they’re ready for Everton under the lights in four weeks’ time. James’ weariness was a reflection of the fact that the players made sure they each got in an hour or so of solid work on top of the grind being done behind the scenes. By that point, Leeds were already 2-0 up. With Joel Piroe nominally playing as the number 10 behind Harry Gray up front, the roles were reversed as Gray dropped deep to put Piroe through one on one...

By Graham Smyth Graham Smyth reports from Germany as Daniel Farke reveals the reason why Mateo Joseph isn’t at Leeds United’s pre-season training camp Mateo Joseph has not flown out to Germany to join Leeds United's training camp after asking to leave Elland Road. The 21-year-old has been the subject of transfer interest from Real Betis this summer and duly informed Leeds boss Daniel Farke that he wants a move to Spain. Though Farke insists he will not stand in the way of the striker's wishes, the club have thus far been consistent in their stance that he is not for sale. Farke says a club will need to meet Leeds' demands to make a move happen and he has 'strongly' recommended that Joseph join in with training in the meantime. Daniel Farke on Mateo Joseph’s absence from pre-season camp in Germany "It was actually the plan for him to come to Germany and the situation is also quite clear," said Farke. "First of all, we really value and rate ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against SC Verl as part of their pre-season training camp Leeds United took on SC Verl in the second game of their 2025/26 pre-season schedule at the 3. Liga side's Sportclub Arena. The game, which comprised of two 60-minute periods, was played behind closed doors due to the German authorities' refusal to grant permits for fans to attend Leeds games again this summer. No Anton Stach for Leeds Although Leeds completed their move for Hoffenheim's Anton Stach and announced it on the morning of the game, the lack of FIFA clearance meant he was unable to play and sat in the stands with the just-arrived Brenden Aaronson and the injured Isaac Schmidt and Sebastian Bornauw. The latter picked up a quad injury in the first session of Leeds' training camp in Germany. Leeds ran out 4-1 winners with a pair of goals from Joel Piroe and one each from Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha. The Whites, who used th...

The former Leeds United academy graduate is returning to the club Leeds United are set to bring Jonny Howson back to the football club. LeedsLive understands a deal has been agreed for the former Whites academy graduate to return as a player coach of the Under-21s. Howson's departure from Middlesbrough was confirmed this morning as he made an emotional goodbye following eight years at the Riverside Stadium. The 37-year-old, who also spent five years with Norwich City after leaving Leeds United in 2012, was out of contract this summer and had been in talks with Boro over a one-year extension as the club prepare for a push to make a return to the Premier League. Those talks are believed to have ended when Leeds made their desire clear to bring the homegrown star back into the fold at the club, with Morley-born Howson returning to where it all started. Howson had wanted to play one more season at a high level, but an opportunity to begin his coaching career and the chance to ret...

By Kyle Newbould The towering midfielder became Leeds United’s sixth summer signing on Tuesday. Anton Stach hopes an aggressive style of play can prove a good fit for the Premier League and the ‘dirty Leeds’ tag of his new club. Stach’s €20million (£17.4m) move to Leeds United was officially announced on Tuesday morning, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year contract. He underwent medical tests at the Whites’ Germany-based training camp on Monday and has already trained with his new teammates. Standing at 6ft 4ins and considered one of the Bundesliga’s best ball-winning midfielders last season, Stach adds to the already growing physicality levels of Daniel Farke’s squad as the fourth of six new arrivals to top 6ft. There is a belief Leeds will look to bully opponents next season and as such, the ‘dirty Leeds’ tagline famous from Don Revie’s managerial stint has resurfaced. “First of all, I am feeling really good,” Stach told LUTV following confirmation of h...