Leeds United sit seventh in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.
The Whites have made a solid start to the Premier League season and look set to improve on their 14th-place finish in the 2025/26 campaign.
While Leeds are on track to qualify for Europe, it is still too early in the season, and Daniel Farke has insisted the focus is on consolidating their Premier League position.
However, former West Ham striker Dean Ashton has backed Leeds to be in the reckoning for Champions League football, and European qualification isn’t seen as far-fetched.
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A bold Leeds question surprised BBC pundits live on TV
As things stand after just seven games, Leeds are on track to qualify for European football next season. However, they have played less than 20 per cent of the campaign.
Farke has repeatedly insisted Leeds cannot look too far ahead, and that the focus must be on another solid Premier League season where they aren’t fighting to survive for most of the campaign.
However, people have started asking whether Leeds are legitimate contenders to play European football next season.
On MOTD on Sunday night, presenter Gabby Logan put forward the question to both Shay Given and Dion Dublin, and both seemed a bit surprised.
Dublin whispered, “Maybe”, but Given jokingly stated, “Not in here, Gabby.”
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Europe is not an unrealistic dream for Leeds this season
Leeds United might not be ready to challenge for the Premier League’s biggest prizes just yet, but qualifying for Europe next season should not be dismissed as an unrealistic dream.
Several established clubs are dealing with upheaval, whether that means managerial uncertainty, inconsistent performances or questions over their long-term direction. If Leeds can maintain their momentum and exploit the instability around them, they could finish higher than many expect.
The potential fallout from Manchester City’s ongoing case also adds an intriguing dimension. Any relegation or significant sporting punishment could reshape the league table, although nothing is guaranteed and the outcome remains uncertain.
Leeds still need to show consistency, strengthen where necessary and make Elland Road a difficult place for visiting teams. They cannot rely on other clubs faltering, but they do not need to be perfect either.
Europe may be an ambitious target, but with the right results and a little help elsewhere, Leeds could genuinely sneak in.
Europe is too early, you need two teams to be able to compete in Europe and at home, just look at the teams in the league, apart from the established teams, only Brighton are doing well.