Daniel Farke and Leeds United exceeded expectations last season, securing Premier League survival with room to spare and finishing 14th in their first campaign back in the top flight.
The challenge now is to build on that success. Paraag Marathe has acknowledged that a club’s second season in the Premier League can often be even tougher, which is why Leeds are still actively looking to strengthen their squad this summer.
The Whites have already made a positive start in the transfer market, bringing in Harry Wilson on a free transfer before spending £34m to sign Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.
Another major addition is also on the horizon, with Leeds closing in on a deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as they continue to shape the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
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Daniel Farke responds to talk of Leeds United qualifying for Europe next season
Leeds are expecting to bring in more players before the end of the summer transfer window and hope to improve on last season, despite survival being the clear objective for the second year running.
However, CBS Sports analyst Michael Lahoud tipped Leeds to be the surprise package of next season and insisted that they can finish eighth in the Premier League and qualify for Europe.
Despite the growing optimism around Leeds, Farke has refused to get carried away by talk of European qualification, stressing the importance of taking gradual steps forward.
He stressed that Leeds must focus on finishing in the top half initially before pushing to play European football in the coming years.
“We can’t overtake clubs like Man City and Arsenal in just a few years with individual quality”, Farke said on the Men In Blazers podcast.
“We have to go year to year. First focus on the top half, then one day Europe.
“You have to have a clear vision of where you’re heading.”
Leeds need more to improve on next season
Leeds United have made a solid start to the summer transfer window, but there is still work to do if they are to take the next step after last season’s 14th-place finish.
James Trafford is expected to arrive in a club-record deal, but Leeds will still need another goalkeeper once Lucas Perri completes his anticipated move away from Elland Road.
Strengthening the attacking unit also remains a priority. The Whites are keen to add an attacking midfielder to bring more creativity to the side, while another striker is wanted to share the goalscoring responsibility with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds are also expected to recruit a back-up left-back, a need that has become even more pressing following Gabriel Gudmundsson’s recent injury.
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