Mighty Leeds Weblog

New signing shares his first thoughts. Leeds United have confirmed a fifth new arrival of the summer, with experienced goalkeeper Michael Zetterer joining the club with a few days remaining of the transfer window. The 31-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Whites and arrives from German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Sitting down to chat with LUTV after signing his contract, the stopper gave his thoughts on taking on this new challenge. “I feel very happy to be here now,” Zetterer began. “Leeds showed me everything. It was good conversations with everybody, so I'm very happy. “I've heard a lot [about Leeds United]. Of course, I played also in Frankfurt with a player who plays here before, he told me a lot of things, what happens here, what makes the club special. So I came here with a little bit of knowledge. “They told me the city, the area around, is fully into the club. So yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing this. “A lot of German players a...

Leeds United have made their fifth signing of the summer Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter Goalkeeper Michael Zetterer has become Leeds United's fifth signing of the summer with his £4.27m (€5m) transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt now formalised. The 31-year-old has penned a three-year deal at Elland Road. Zetterer arrives as the club's new back-up goalkeeper behind club record £40m summer recruit James Trafford, with Lucas Perri joining Torino on a season-long loan. This move contains an option to buy clause, with sources in Italy claiming this stretches to around the £12m mark. The Brazilian holds dual Italian citizenship and so will notably not fill a non-European spot in Torino's squad. Torino had set sights on Perri as their number one goalkeeper early in the window. Leeds were keen on finding a replacement in his wake and it was meanwhile agreed that Perri would recover from his quad injury before flying out to make the medical process smoother. Once Zet...

By Stuart Rayner Daniel Farke is "cautiously optimistic" of adding to his Leeds United squad before Tuesday's transfer deadline, but keen for everyone to know that whilst he has been able to add quality, his changes have just been like for like. Although in Farke's eyes the Whites have no more depth than they did when finishing 14th in last season's Premier League, he thinks their big strength going into Sunday's first home game of the season, against Brentford, is stability. Leeds and Brentford are two of only 11 Premier League clubs not to be under new management this term, and there has been no squad overhaul either. Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, James Trafford and Nico Elvedi have all raised the quality of player at Elland Road but they have effectively replaced Joel Piroe, Pascal Struijk, Karl Darlow and Sebastiaan Bornauw from the 2024-25 squad. Sam Byram has left too. Goalkeeper Michael Zetterer is close to signing but when he does, Lucas P...

Written by: Rob Conlon Behind the curtain “This was one of the greatest performances I have seen from any team,” Don Revie said after Leeds’ 0-0 draw at Torino secured qualification from the club’s first ever European tie in October 1965. “They proved themselves real professionals. They have given everything and have not got an ounce left.” United had won 2-1 in the first leg at Elland Road, refereed by a certain Michel Kitabdjian. In Turin, they held on for the final forty minutes while down to ten men after Bobby Collins had his thighbone shattered by a tackle from Fabrizio Poletti. Jack Charlton responded to the challenge by punching any Torino player who tried to move his captain on the floor, while Billy Bremner told Poletti, “I’ll kill you for this.” ‘In adversity they fought every inch of the way and were magnificent,’ wrote Eric Stanger in The Yorkshire Post. ‘It was one of the greatest victories in Leeds United’s history.’ Even the Italian press expressed their admirat...

Ours, not theirs Written by: David Guile The moonshot paid off. James Trafford is a Leeds United player. From Felix Wiedwald to the world’s fourth most expensive goalkeeper in nine short years. It’s been quite a ride. I won’t waste many words describing how good James Trafford is. We’ve all seen it. Eleven Championship clean sheets in a row at a time when Burnley seemed fated never to concede another goal. There was an aura of invincibility around Trafford at the time, extending far beyond his two metre tall frame. He elevated a run-of-the-mill Burnley team into the machine that ground out a hundred points and came within seconds of wresting the Championship title out of our grasp. And now he’s ours. All ours, at least for now. If Trafford continues on his current trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before international recognition follows. At 23 and with one tour of World Cup duty under his belt already, he has Jordan Pickford’s position firmly in his sights. Surely this ...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United have less than one week to conclude their transfer business. Daniel Farke insists there are still areas of the Leeds United squad that need improving ahead of a long Premier League campaign. Leeds have six days to conclude any summer business before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Tuesday September 1. The Whites have welcomed four new faces through the door, with £8.5million centre-back Nico Elvedi the latest to impress in the recent 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Nottingham Forest. But a top-quality left-winger is still wanted, as evidenced by interest in Igor Paixao and Mykhailo Mudryk among others, while other positions including striker and left-back are lacking depth. Farke admits he’s never had a window in which every wish was granted but hinted at a positive final few days in the market. Asked how confident he is of getting everyone he needs before Tuesday’s deadline, Farke said: “Not at all, because I mentioned before there was never a ...

By Kyle Newbould Good day, bad day and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s Carabao Cup win at the City Ground. Leeds United booked their place in the Carabao Cup third round thanks to Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Second-half goals from Daniel James and James Justin capped off another solid performance at the City Ground. Here’s the YEP take... Good day Nico Elvedi As centre-back debuts go, they don’t get much better than that for recent arrival Nico Elvedi. The £8.5m signing has probably spent as much time at the City Ground as Thorp Arch during his first week as a Leeds player and already looks at home in Daniel Farke’s side. Elvedi started between Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic on Tuesday, given the unenviable task of scrapping with Chris Wood. Barring a counter-attack nutmeg, the Leeds defender won that fight and also had the composure to play some lovely passes. Farke nominated Elvedi for Player of the Match and it was as hard to look past the 29-ye...

Two Leeds United players caught the eye vs Nottingham Forest with encouraging clarity emerging Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter Daniel Farke has his second League Cup win of his Leeds United tenure and has already got double bubble over Nottingham Forest this season. It’s worth remembering that Leeds only won away at two Premier League clubs in normal time throughout the last season. Of course, these are against the same opponent but that is two victories away at a top-flight club. The level of performance in itself was described as “outstanding” by Daniel Farke, who is pleased with how quickly his new signings have bedded in. Leeds were the dominant team in all areas on Tuesday and deserved the win. The victory also keeps momentum going into Sunday at home against Brentford and builds the positivity around the club. Leeds have been good so far - but it could be even better, should they find the attackers they really want. Elvedi excels on debut Nico Elvedi had an almo...

By Kyle Newbould Leeds United’s fourth summer signing impressed on debut at the City Ground. Daniel Farke expected nothing less than a Player of the Match performance from Leeds United debutant Nico Elvedi at Nottingham Forest. Elvedi made his first appearance in Leeds colours during Tuesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win at the City Ground, replacing Jaka Bijol as one of six changes. The 29-year-old started between Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic in a back three, playing the full 90 minutes. And he didn’t look like a debutant in the side, defending aggressively and showing an early understanding of what Farke wants from him. The Leeds boss was happy with the Swiss international’s first showing which had him in with a shot for Player of the Match. “Yes, we had probably a few candidates for man of the match today,” Farke said. “Nico is definitely one of them because there was such a performance after just being with us for a few days is outstanding. Against a physical striker like [Chr...

Daniel Farke's side win at the City Ground for the second time in just FOUR days with Carabao Cup triumph - and Liam Delap cannot come quickly enough for new boss Oliver Glasner By JAMES SHARPE Liam Delap cannot come quickly enough for Nottingham Forest. Two games into Oliver Glasner’s reign at the City Ground, two defeats to Leeds United, and zero goals. He started three strikers and they still couldn’t score. And, so, for the second time in four days, Daniel Farke’s team came to town and took full advantage of a team still trying to find their new identity. First for three points on Saturday, now for a place in the League Cup third round. Daniel James was afforded the freedom of West Bridgford all evening and fittingly gave Leeds the lead before James Justin bundled in a second after a long throw caused chaos in the Forest box. Glasner’s side, once again, looked in desperate need of new blood. Thankfully, news emerged a few hours before kick-off that Forest had agreed a...

By Stuart Rayner Leeds United recorded a good win at Nottingham Forest, but not so good as to paper over the work that still needs to be done in this summer's transfer market. The Whites only won twice on Premier League grounds other than Elland Road last season, on day four of this they equalled that tally. No wonder the away fans sang "Can we play you every week?" A side with plenty of fringe players won 2-0 with goals from Daniel James and a James Justin, the second as ugly as the first was beautiful. They all count. Even with six outfield alterations from the side which won at the City Ground on Saturday, the Leeds changes did not feel wholesale. There was a continuity about the way the team played, but it showed there is more to be done in terms of the depth of this squad. The assured Nico Elvedi was certainly an exception to that rule, coming into central defence for an excellent debut which leaves manager Daniel Farke with plenty of good options for the b...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United took on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground again for a place in the Carabao Cup third round. Leeds United booked their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup as a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest gave the Whites a second win at the City Ground in the space of four days. Three days on from Saturday's 1-0 win at the City Ground in their Premier League opener, winger Dan James capped a fine display by scoring the opener in a game in which Nico Elvedi also had a very impressive debut. There was and still is confusion as to who scored United’s second goal, an Ethan Ampadu long throw flicked on by Tarik Muharemovic to cause chaos at the far post were James Justin appeared to get the last touch in hooking the ball home despite the goal initially being credited as a Neco Williams own goal. Leeds had a couple of chances to create something in a very uneventful start, Dan James sending in a low cross from the right which was gathered by keeper Matz Sels...

Jed York, who is married with two kids, was arrested in East Palestine on Sunday after allegedly answering an ad on a known prostitution website Josh Dubow & Rachel Dobkin The Leeds United co-owner Jed York has been sentenced to a day in jail in Ohio after trying to pay a prostitute $140 (£102), according to police. York, who is also the principal owner of NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers, with an ownership stake in Rangers too, was taken into custody on Sunday at a trailer park in East Palestine. Initially charged with engaging in prostitution, prosecutors amended York’s charge to disorderly conduct. The 46-year-old married executive, originally from Youngstown, Ohio, close to where he was arrested, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. York’s arrest came after he answered an ad on a known prostitution website in Columbiana County and “arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140.00,” th...

Full-back leaves the club after his contract ended. Leeds United can confirm defender Sam Byram has left the club after the expiration of his Elland Road contract and joined Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough. A popular member of the squad both on and off the pitch, Byram came through the academy and has represented the club with distinction during two different spells. Having progressed through the age groups at Thorp Arch, Byram made his debut for his boyhood club in August 2012, becoming a regular in the first team from then on. That season, he won both the Goal of the Year and Player of the Year awards following a stellar debut campaign at Elland Road. After stints with West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Norwich City, the versatile defender returned to West Yorkshire in 2023, making 37 appearances across the 2023/24 campaign. The following season, Byram continued to play an important role in Daniel Farke’s side, featuring 39 times and netting a memorable volley...

By Lee Sobot A Championship club have announced the signing of a former Leeds United defender. Championship club Middlesbrough have announced the signing of a former Leeds United man following his recent departure from the Whites. Former Whites Academy graduate Sam Byram re-joined Leeds back in August 2023 following his departure from Norwich City and the versatile full-back played a big role in helping United back to the Premier League as Championship champions. Byram, though, saw very limited game time upon United’s return to the country’s top division and the 32-year-old became a free agent this summer as his contract at Leeds expired. Reports emerged on Monday morning that Middlesbrough were closing in on a deal for the defender, Whites boss Daniel Farke serving up huge praise for Byram when asked about the Boro reports at Monday’s pre-Nottingham Forest press conference. Farke said he hoped Byram would find the best solution possible for him and Boro have now announced ...

Leeds United still want to make a series of additions before transfer deadline day next week. Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter Daniel Farke says Leeds United must make sure the club operates sustainably, "not just for a few months but a few years", and that transfers must make financial sense while still trying to be ambitious. Leeds have recorded a summer net spend of around £50million so far, having splashed £80m on three new signings plus the free agent arrival of Harry Wilson. The club have been in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Mykhailo Mudryk but progress seems to have halted. Leeds are after a left-sided attacker before deadline day next week and also need a new back-up striker, left-back and goalkeeper. United are hopeful of landing Eintracht Frankfurt shot-stopper Michael Zetterer, but little appears to have progressed in the other areas of need. Speaking on Monday, ahead of Leeds' League Cup tie at Nottingham Forest, Farke would not be draw...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United have signed a highly rated youth international striker. Leeds United have signed a highly rated youth international forward who will now link up with the club’s Academy side. Ditmir Hodja, 18, capped at youth level by North Macedonia, has joined the Whites after leaving FK Rabotnicki, the striker signing a three-year deal with the club having impressed on trial. A Leeds United statement read: “Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of highly rated forward Ditmir Hodja, who will link up with the Academy’s Under-21s side. “The 6ft 4’ centre forward has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Thorp Arch, after excelling on trial with the club. “Hodja impressed last campaign in his homeland’s top-flight, netting six goals in 22 appearances across all competitions prior to recently turning 18. “Finding his feet in the senior game, the striker registered four goal involvements in FK Rabotnicki’s final five league encounters. “He also featu...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United and Adidas have officially unveiled the club’s new 2026-27 third kit. Leeds United and Adidas have officially unveiled the club’s new 2026-27 third kit. Ahead of Saturday’s first game of the new Premier League season at Nottingham Forest, Leeds took to social media on Thursday evening to share pictures of their new carbon/silver grey third strip which will goes on sale from 8am on this morning. The kit has now been officially released, the club describing the jersey as a ‘carbon shirt which features striking silver detailing alongside an all-over graphic inspired by the structures, materials and character synonymous with Leeds.’ A statement from Leeds United read: “Leeds United and adidas have unveiled the club’s third kit for the 2026/27 season, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Leeds Royal Charter and paying tribute to the city the club proudly calls home. “Granted in 1626, the Royal Charter marked a defining moment in the history of Leeds...

Leeds United have made cracking transfer progress so far but what happens next is key to their season aims Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter Daniel Farke wants Leeds United fans to dream but says he himself must remain realistic. Some are tipping Leeds with an outside shot of European football but the noise inside of the club is different. Leeds need at least two more seasons to operate as a Premier League regular, says chairman Paraag Marathe, and so another season of survival is a success. Farke on Thursday branded the campaign as a “dangerous” one. He and club chiefs are aware of ‘second-season syndrome’ where the promotion juices have ebbed away and teams are at risk of falling backwards, as what happened under the great Marcelo Bielsa. “Do you know how often we have played in the last 25 years in Europe? Zero times,” Farke underlined. “How often have we finished in the top half of the table in 25 years? One time. “Last season was our second-best finish in the Premier...

By Lee Sobot A message from Leeds United boss Daniel Farke to supporters. Daniel Farke has issued a message to Leeds United’s fans on targets for the new Premier League season with a guarantee about his side. Farke’s men will begin their second season back in the country’s top flight with Saturday’s clash at Nottingham Forest, ahead of which Farke has declared the initial aim is to get to 40 points and ensure top flight survival for a second year. Farke, is hoping that new goals can be set if and when that objective is achieved and has absolutely no qualms with his team’s supporters dreaming big fresh from a brilliant second half of last season and strong set of results over the summer. The Whites boss also said he can guarantee that his side “can't wait” to represent their fans and the club’s famous shirt over the course of the 2026-27 campaign. Speaking at Thursday’s pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, Farke was asked if he had a general message for the club’s sup...

By Kyle Newbould Another key Leeds United squad member has put pen to paper on a new contract. Leeds United full-back Jayden Bogle has signed a new four-year contract with the club. Bogle becomes the second Leeds player inside 24 hours to pen fresh terms, with Joe Rodon also putting pen to paper on a four-year deal on Wednesday evening. The pair will continue to play alongside one another at Elland Road until 2030. Leeds signed Bogle for £5million from Sheffield United in 2024 and the defender made an instant impact with 44 league appearances for Daniel Farke’s 100-point, title-winning side. The 26-year-old registered six goals and four assists to earn a place in the Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Team of the Year. Bogle thrived with the attacking freedom of a wing-back role in the Premier League last season and proved himself a top-flight defender. Leeds say they are ‘proud’ to see the right-back extend his stay at the club in another boost ahead of Saturday’s t...

By Kyle Newbould Joe Rodon’s decision to sign a new contract with Leeds United was a ‘no-brainer’ with the defender as happy as he’s ever been during his career. Rodon put pen to paper on a new four-year deal on Wednesday to keep him at Elland Road until 2030. The centre-back has been virtually ever-present in Daniel Farke’s side since first arriving in 2023, initially on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. After 46 Championship and play-off appearances in that debut campaign Leeds committed to spending £10million to get Rodon in permanently. He started all 46 league games during the Whites’ 2024/25 title triumph and featured in 35 of 38 Premier League fixtures last season. Rodon has missed just six league games across three years at Leeds, cementing himself as a favourite not only of Farke’s but of every Whites fan. Last week, the 28-year-old was named as one of four vice-captains to deputise for club skipper Ethan Ampadu. “I am delighted,” Rodon told LUTV after signing his contrac...

Experienced international defender joins the club. Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Swiss international Nico Elvedi who joins the club in a permanent deal from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The defender becomes our fourth new addition of the summer window and brings a wealth of experience to Daniel Farke’s squad. Coming through the youth ranks of hometown side FC Zürich, the centre-half made his senior debut in a 2014 meeting with Lausanne-Sport. After 26 appearances for the club, Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach came calling for the then-teenager's signature, securing the services of the defender prior to the 2015/16 season. In his debut campaign at Borussia-Park, Nico featured 21 times in the German top-flight and made two appearances in the UEFA Champions League, gaining vital top-level experience at a young age.   That began a glittering service to the North Rhine-Westphalia club that spanned over a decade, in which time he made 364 appearan...