Leeds United surpassed expectations this season by finishing 14th in their first year back in the Premier League, and are looking to build on it in the upcoming summer window.
Paraag Marathe has claimed that it could take three seasons of top-flight football before Leeds can start behaving as an established Premier League club, and he is expecting a tougher second season.
However, Leeds have not looked out of place against more established Premier League teams and could legitimately target some of the teams that just finished ahead of them.
Daniel Farke is likely to continue as Leeds manager next season, and the Whites may have more stability in the dugout compared to one of their established Premier League rivals.
Marco Silva could leave Fulham
The Portuguese coach is one of the most highly rated young Premier League managers and has established Fulham as a top-flight club during his tenure.
However, Marco Silva is out of contract this summer, and while Fulham have offered him a new three-year deal, the manager has yet to decide.
Benfica are actively trying to convince the Portuguese to return to his homeland, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, is in talks with the Portuguese giants.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, agreement in principle is in place between Silva’s representatives and Benfica over the length of a contract, and he is due in Lisbon for more talks.
Fulham are trying to convince him to stay, but Benfica have made a strong pitch to try and turn his head towards returning to Portugal this summer.
Silva is a highly-rated manager and may have a few more options in the Premier League itself, beyond the offer to stay at Fulham.
Leeds can look up next season
Farke wants the board to show more ambition, and Marathe has indicated that staying in the Premier League will remain the focus for next season as well.
However, the competitive nature of the Premier League means Leeds have a real chance of looking up rather than over their shoulders next season.
Fulham just finished five points ahead of Leeds, and while the Whites will have stability under Farke, the Cottagers may have a new guy in the dugout next season.
Crystal Palace won the Europa Conference League but finished two points and a spot behind Leeds in the Premier League. Even they will have a new manager at the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Leeds’ stability with Farke and some smart moves in the summer could push them towards a top half finish next season.
