Leeds United, in their first second-tier campaign in almost three years, are fighting for automatic promotion under Daniel Farke.
The Whites were expected to be among the favourites for promotion this season under his leadership, and after a slow start with no wins in their first three games, they secured their eighth league win in a row with a win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, keeping them in the automatic promotion places.
A blazing 2024 has propelled them from fourth to second place, despite winning only once in five games over the holidays. Leeds will play league toppers Leicester City on Friday in a contest that could decide their automatic promotion.
In the meanwhile, as the game approaches, we’ve compiled a list of the most recent news and stories from Elland Road.
Rodrigo explains the Leeds exit.
One of Leeds’ summer exits was veteran Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno, who became the club’s record signing when he arrived in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa, costing the club £26 million from La Liga outfit Valencia after the club regained top-flight status.
However, his three-year stint with the West Yorkshire club came to an end in July, when he joined Qatar Stars League side Al-Rayyan. Rodrigo has subsequently explained his reasons for leaving, speaking with Spanish publication MARCA over the weekend.
He stated: “These are personal decisions that must be respected. The opportunity arrived, and I wanted to have this experience. Qatar has pleasantly pleased me. I like the level of the League, and the country’s project is medium to long-term.”
“On a collective level, last year in Leeds was not terrific, but I performed well individually. Elite football is extremely physically and mentally demanding. I’ll be 33 years old soon, and time is passing. This is over. And that was a family decision. There were options for staying in England, but nothing substantial. They asked a lot of questions but had no actual contacts.”
Milot Rashica associated with Leeds.
Milot Rashica has emerged as a potential Leeds transfer target, according to Turkish site Takvim. They allege that Besiktas recently rejected the Whites’ request for €7 million (£6 million).
Farke will be familiar with Rashica from their time together at Norwich City, as the German was in charge for the Canaries’ summer 2021 signing of the forward from Werder Bremen.
An offer of £6 million would be reasonable if he were signing as a backup option for a Premier League club, and his time in Turkey and Germany has demonstrated that he has what it takes to compete at a high level, despite previous struggles at Carrow Road following Farke’s departure just a few months later.
Following their relegation that season, he was loaned out to Galatasaray, where he scored one goal and assisted twice in 31 league appearances.
Gary McAllister’s Promotion Verdict
Gary McAllister, a Leeds icon, made more appearances for the Whites than any other club throughout his professional career, with 261 total. He also managed the team 49 times in 2008.
He has also commented on the race for promotion to the second tier this season.
McAllister told FLW that he believes the three relegated teams will return to the top division. Ipswich have done an excellent job of staying in the league, and it would be fantastic if they could clinch a play-off spot, but Southampton and Leeds will only have enough points for one of them to advance outright, with the other advancing through the playoffs.
“I’ve watched Leeds several times this season, and they can score from wherever on the pitch. I’m impressed with Glen Kamara, who came down from Rangers, and [Ethan] Ampadu in the middle of the park has done well. [Crysencio] Summerville and [Patrick] Bamford are playing exceptionally well, and Championship defenses are unable to contain them.
“Whether they can keep clean sheets is a different question. But I believe Leeds have just enough to finish second and get the automatic promotion since the fans dislike play-offs!”
