Leeds United know the task at hand ahead of them. The club will return to the Premier League for the first time since they went down in 2023.
They have the daunting task of surviving relegation. This feat has become more difficult for newly-promoted clubs every season. The last two campaigns have seen all three promoted clubs go back down to the Championship.
Leeds will be hoping to avoid that using their recruitment this summer. The club have gone for quality; signing players from across Europe’s top five leagues. This will improve competition for places across the squad in the upcoming campaign.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
[freshpress-quiz id=”42763″]
Leeds United star upbeat about upcoming season
Credit: Imago
Star midfielder Ilia Gruev has spoken about the club’s preparation towards the Premier League. Leeds have been training since last week, and will finally get their chance at some action when they face Manchester United on Saturday.
Gruev is confident that the work put in will reflect in the upcoming campaign.
“It’s still very early, only our second week of pre-season, so it’s hard to compare the level,” he cautioned. “But the preparation is quite similar.
“Last summer we also had a very tough pre-season and of course you want to build up and get better and get more fit than last season.
“Pre-season has been really intense, but really good. The first week there was a lot of work without the ball, which I think you have to do. Of course you enjoy doing things with the ball more but we had a good atmosphere.”
Ilia Gruev’s place is under threat with new signings
Leeds have confirmed the signing of Sean Longstaff.
The former Newcastle man joined the club, and was unveiled on Friday. The club are also working on a deal for Anton Stach. Even though recent reports indicate that Besiktas could hijack the deal, sources within the German club say the player is set for a move to West Yorkshire.
That is two massive additions to the middle of the park already packed with some quality. Gruev did not feature much last season due to injury, and his job could be made even more difficult with the arrival of new signings.
Midfielder can still play a key role this season
It is going to be a very tough midfield battle between Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff. Each have their attributes and roles they can fill. Many would think the Bulgarian misses out, but he has a quality unlike anyone in this group.
Credit: Danishscout
Gruev is very calculated in the middle of the park. He keeps the ball well, always finds the right pass and can thread the ball through a needle. Defensively he has his critics, but he can sense danger and stop it. Daniel Farke really has decisions to make next season.
If we get Stach then that will be one hell of a midfield. But honestly I can see Gruev being relegated to number 5. Which would be a shame as he is so desperate to play in the Prem now he helped Leeds get there. I hope he gets a chance, even if it is against the lesser sides like Burnley, Sunderland and Scum