With games to spare, Leeds United have become one of just two promoted sides to survive their first season back in the Premier League in the last three seasons.
It’s an incredible achievement and something that Daniel Farke, with his 3-5-2 system ready to go another year, must build on.
They’ve already provided the blueprints for survival, but avoiding a serious case of second-season syndrome could be an even tougher task next season.
Big-money forward now wants to join Leeds
This time last year, the 49ers were gearing up for what would prove to be an excellent summer transfer window.
The likes of Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived and have stolen the show ever since. It put to bed any concerns about the level of recruitment at Elland Road at long last.
Leeds offered summer deal for Burnley star as agents make constant phone calls
The Whites could sign him for a cheap fee.
Now in their best position to attract players since the Marcelo Bielsa days, those in Yorkshire should flex their muscles by welcoming some impressive names this summer.
If recent rumours are anything to by, then ambition certainly won’t be a problem. According to TEAMTalk, Lois Openda now wants to join Leeds this summer and end what has been a torrid time at Juventus.
The Whites have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the forward after he makes his loan move permanent at Juventus this summer thanks to an obligation to buy worth around £40m.
Whether those in Turin set a similar asking price for Openda is the big question. Of course, if they do, then the 26-year-old could become Leeds’ most expensive arrival of all time.
Openda can become Farke’s new Okafor
It’s déjà vu at Elland Road. A year ago, it was Noah Okafor that they were taking a gamble on. The forward was struggling at AC Milan, scoring just once and starting five Serie A games.
On paper, he represented a player who arguably needed Leeds more than they needed him.
Fast-forward a year, and he has played a crucial part in their survival – scoring eight Premier League goals, with half of those coming against the big six. It has been a transformative move.
Okafor has been such a success that Openda is now keen to follow in his footsteps. The pathway from Serie A flop to Premier League star is clear for all to see and the Juventus forward could rediscover his RB Leipzig form in a Leeds shirt.
It was only one season ago that the Belgian was involved in 14 Bundesliga goals for Leipzig. He impressed so much that Juventus came calling for big money. That quality doesn’t just evaporate and Leeds have a chance to prove that.
|
Serie A stats |
Okafor 24/25 |
Openda 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
5 |
6 |
|
Goals |
1 |
1 |
|
Assists |
0 |
0 |
|
XG |
1.55 |
3.57 |
|
Minutes |
448 |
653 |
The parallels don’t get much clearer than that. If Leeds can land a cut-price deal with Juventus, then they should push to sign Openda this summer.
Their frontline, although much-improved, still needs reinforcements. Farke will be the first to admit that and could get exactly what he needs in the form of the Juventus star.
Signing another player of Champions League calibre would only push those in Yorkshire further from the relegation battle and towards the top-half heights that Bielsa once achieved.
Leeds hold talks to sign £20m star who’s now set to leave Sunderland
The Whites want to sign an “outstanding” player.
