Before a ball was even kicked in the 2025/26 campaign, many people feared Leeds United would suffer an immediate relegation from the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s previous failures in England’s top-flight were highlighted, but the supporters’ worries have been put to rest massively over the last few months.
The German’s decision to switch to a back three system has massively bolstered their survival chances, with the Whites now seven points clear with just three games remaining.
Barring a huge decline in results at Elland Road and a miracle from West Ham United, Farke’s men will enjoy another year dining at England’s top-table in 2026/27.
The form of numerous players has caught the eye in Yorkshire, with one of the summer additions undoubtedly exceeding all expectations in recent months.
Most PL minutes played for Leeds (2025/26)
Player
Tally
Ethan Ampadu
2853
Pascal Struijk
2791
Jayden Bogle
2724
Joe Rodon
2683
Gabriel Gudmundsson
2637
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
2477
The stats behind Okafor’s success at Leeds United
As part of their £90m spending spree last summer, Leeds clinched the £18m signature of Noah Okafor to help bolster the club’s frontline ahead of the Premier League return.
The Swiss international has enjoyed a superb first campaign in England to date, as seen by his remarkable tally of eight goals in his 28 appearances.
Such a tally is the second-highest in the senior squad, with only fellow summer addition Dominic Calvert-Lewin registering more goals during 2025/26.
He’s undoubtedly been one of the Whites’ biggest attacking threats this term, with his tally of 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 only reaffirming his quality in the final third.
The aforementioned tally is the highest in first team squad, with Okafor also achieving the second-best shot on target accuracy of any forward in Farke’s squad.
His subsequent transfer now looks to be a phenomenal piece of business, but the pressure will no doubt be on the 25-year-old to deliver once again next season.
The signing who could be a bigger talent than Okafor
Despite safety being within touching distance, the Leeds fans will no doubt be concerned about the possibility of second-season syndrome during the 2026/27 campaign.
Staying in the top-flight this season is undoubtedly a massive achievement, but the focus will now rapidly be turning towards the summer and next season.
Leeds United – summer signings (2025/26)
Player
Fee
Anton Stach
£18m
Noah Okafor
£17m
Jaka Bijol
£15m
Lucas Perri
£14m
Sean Longstaff
£12m
Gabriel Gudmundsson
£9m
James Justin
£8m
Sebastiaan Bornauw
£5m
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Free
Lukas Nmecha
Free
The upcoming transfer window presents another opportunity for Farke and the Whites’ hierarchy to bolster the ranks and help them establish their top-division status.
Numerous players have already been identified as potential transfer targets, with Juventus flop Loïs Openda just one option currently in the board’s sights. The Serie A side are keen for a ‘quick and immediate’ departure, as per reports, suggesting this could be a swift deal to complete.
The Belgian striker is expected to complete a permanent £35m move to join the Italian giants this summer, but will depart, most likely on loan, upon the completion of his transfer, with Juve looking to recoup much of that fee.
Whilst he’s only managed to score one goal in the Serie A this term, he could emulate in Okafor with any transfer to Elland Road when the transfer window opens.
The Swiss international also struggled to cut it for AC Milan and Napoli during his time in Italy, as seen by his own measly tally of one goal during the 2024/25 season for the latter, prior to his switch to Yorkshire.
However, Openda has previously demonstrated his ability to thrive in the final third, as seen by his tally of 28 goals in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig back in 2023/24.
Openda, who’s been dubbed “terrifying” by one analyst, could emulate Okafor in recapturing his best form upon any move to Yorkshire in the summer.
His electrifying pace and clinical nature in the final third could hand Farke’s side another deadly option in the hunt to rise up the Premier League during 2026/27.
The 26-year-old’s previous quality in front of goal is evidence that he is capable of delivering the goods, with Farke able to work his magic – just as he has with Okafor.
RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda.
Whilst his current spell at Juventus will no doubt be a concern to fans, Openda desperately needs a fresh opportunity in the Premier League to help reignite his once promising career.
Competition for his signature is undoubtedly going to be massive this summer, which means the Whites desperately need to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature.
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