Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has made a tweak to the team’s tactics in pre-season. Many believe that the new system will be what we see in the Premier League next season.
There has been a shift from the 4-2-3-1 shape to more of a 4-3-3 with three central midfielders. It explains why Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach were brought in recently. Farke believes being a tactically flexible team could help the team with results:
“I want to be flexible. I’m not a big believer in a special base formation,” explained Farke.
“I’m not so addicted to base formation. I’m more addicted to principles, to bring our principles on the pitch. And we want to be flexible.
“There are different challenges. There will be games and you know when perhaps we don’t expect too much possession and when you have to travel to Arsenal or to Liverpool, and then it’s a slightly different game than perhaps a home game against another promoted side.
One thing that has remained the same is the role of the fullbacks. Jayden Bogle starred in the friendly against Manchester United, and Gabriel Gudmundsson also had some bright spots.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
[freshpress-quiz id=”32660″]
Leeds United target Leicester City fullback
Credit: Imago
According to Leeds United News, the Whites are looking to add a new fullback in the coming weeks. Leicester City’s James Justin seems to be high on their shortlist. Daniel Farke reportedly wants a defender who can play on both sides of the pitch.
Leeds have ”serious interest” in Justin and could move to sign him quickly. The 27-year old has one year left on his contract and could be signed for a cut-price fee.
Why Leeds are targeting a new defender
With Isaac Schmidt set to complete a loan move to Werder Bremen, Daniel Farke is keen to find a replacement. The report from Patrick Berger on Monday revealed that Leeds will only greenlight the move when they find a suitable replacement.
🚨🟢⚪️ Werder Bremen have reached an agreement in principle with Leeds right-back Isaac Schmidt (25/🇨🇭)! Werder is working on a loan. #LUFC and Bremen are still negotiating details – it’s not yet clear whether the deal will include a purchase option or obligation.
Leeds boss…
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) July 28, 2025
Which means the deal could be done quickly to allow Schmidt to leave the club.
James Justin provides quality depth
Justin is a solid fullback, and he can play both positions, which fills a serious need for the club. Daniel Farke will now have two capable fullbacks in Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson and solid backups in Justin and Byram.
Credit: DataMB
James Justin is not as great on the attack, but provides value with his defensive ability. Leeds could use a lot of that next season.
I got a better idea. Just keep Isaac and give him more game time
Keeping Isaac would be better, but for whatever reason Farke won’t play him and you can’t blame him for actually wanting to play more then 71 minutes a season.