Leeds United

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

A strong 7/10. To beat Manchester United and get to Wembley in the same season, you cannot ask for much more as a Leeds United fan. The overriding emotion is definitely pride. There were frustrating moments, but it felt like we actually made progress for once instead of just surviving by the skin of our teeth.

Best moment and why?

Despite the result against Chelsea, walking down Wembley Way was genuinely special. For the first time in a long time, there was real hope that maybe we could actually do this. We will not speak about the 90 minutes, but the occasion was brilliant. Usually, when Leeds are at Wembley it feels like life or death with everything on the line, but this time there was less pressure because we were already proud of what the team had achieved by getting there.

Player of the season and why?

Anton Stach or Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The pride those two play with is unbelievable. Calvert-Lewin getting his England call-up was completely deserved, and you could see how much it meant to him. Stach just speaks for himself really. That free-kick against Aston Villa tells you everything you need to know about him. His Instagram stories give him bonus points as well.

Unsung hero and why?

Sean Longstaff. Every time he comes on he settles us down and gives us control in midfield. He keeps things simple, works hard, wins second balls and does the dirty work people do not always notice. I would have liked to see more of him this season because he always seemed to improve us when games were getting scrappy.

Biggest disappointment?

The FA Cup semi-final, without a doubt. It felt like such a wasted opportunity against a Chelsea side that looked vulnerable all season. We never really played with the freedom or aggression that got us there in the first place. As fans, we would probably have accepted losing if we had gone for it properly, but we left Wembley wondering what might have happened if we had just shown a bit more belief.

What needs to change this summer?

We need a bit more depth and experience if we want to stop getting dragged into relegation conversations every year. Another reliable goalscorer would help as well, because there were too many games when we made life hard for ourselves. Most importantly, though, we need to keep building the mentality in the squad because this season finally felt like a step forward instead of standing still. Also, as much as I love our fans, it would be nice if we did not sing We All Love Leeds for the full 90 minutes of every game.

Major hope for next season?

Instead of surviving with a couple of weeks left, it would be nice to avoid being stuck in a relegation fight with five other teams for once. Why can we not do what Sunderland have done and properly establish ourselves? When you look at the teams coming up and the teams going down, Leeds should be safe a lot earlier next season. I would absolutely love us to kick on and have the kind of season Sunderland have had.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

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After two consecutive seasons in the Championship, Daniel Farke's Leeds United will now look to build on back-to-back seasons in the top-flight.

On the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix praised Farke's efforts in avoiding relegation.

"Daniel has done an amazing job with the resources compared to a lot of the sides. Some of the victories against the top sides were fantastic," said Pope.

During the campaign, highlights included Leeds enjoying their first league win over Manchester United since September 2002 (1-0), while it was their first away from home victory against the Red Devils since February 1981.

After losing six out of seven games between October and November, Farke came under scrutiny from some Leeds fans over his future at the club.

"Very quickly people were quick to get rid of him when it went south," added Rix.

"Not only the Premier League survival, the Man Utd victory, the FA Cup semi-final. He has given us some nice moments this season."

Although Leeds endured a torrid time during October and November, their eight-match unbeaten streak between March and May was the longest by a newly promoted side in a Premier League campaign since Birmingham City in 2009-10 (12).

At the heart of that unbeaten streak was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who became a driving force in his first season in a Leeds shirt.

The 29-year-old scored a combined 12 goals in his final three seasons for Everton in the Premier League, and he finished the 2025-26 Premier League season with 14.

Calvert-Lewin was also ranked number one for high-intensity pressures - 2367 in total, the most of any player in the Premier League this season.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

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Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 17th

Leeds looked like they would struggle early on, but manager Daniel Farke turned it around, so both he and his players deserve great credit.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved a very shrewd signing on a free transfer from Everton, while, as expected, the Elland Road bearpit played its part.

If there was a disappointment, it was the timid performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The main mission, however, was Premier League safety and that was achieved with something to spare.

What I said in August: "Someone has got to buck the growing trend of 'three up, three straight back down' from the Championship's promoted sides, so I am going to say Leeds will break that glass ceiling."

Check out the rest of my review here

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It will take "three long-fought seasons" before Leeds can "truly operate like an established Premier League side", chairman Paraag Marathe has said.

The club statement comes just 10 days after Whites boss Daniel Farke said he is "not the right choice" to remain in charge if the club failed to match his ambition in the summer, after achieving survival and an impressive 14th-place finish on the Leed's return to the top flight.

Marathe also thanked Farke for the "special campaign" he delivered, and said he is "incredibly confident" about the future of the club.

"While this year brought memorable highs and difficult moments, Daniel and the squad delivered a special campaign," he said.

"In a league where promoted clubs usually struggle, survival in our first season back is a significant accomplishment.

"I said last year that the road ahead would not be easy - that is still true. History shows that the second season in the Premier League can be just as, if not more, challenging as the first. We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side."

Before thanking the fans and everyone associated with the club for their support and work throughout the season, Marathe also touched on transfer plans and hinted that a considered approach will be required.

"This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach," he added.

"As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League.

"Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result."

Leeds United have finished 14th in their first season back in the Premier League despite a final day defeat at West Ham.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on the 2025-26 campaign and start to look ahead to the summer transfer window.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views as Leeds ended a first season back in the Premier League with defeat at West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Nigel: A game too far for Leeds after a tough season which ended with a creditable 14th place. Now time to make additions to the squad to push on for next season.

Dave: Leeds need better strikers - Nmecha and Bornauw need to be sold. Both not good enough for the Premier League. Pascal, Joe and Jaka must stay. Lots of work ahead before we are a middle-of-the-table team. Solid season - let's move forward.

Ian: Leeds were poor on Sunday and deserved nothing. The quality and attacking threat with many players injured shows the team needs strengthening. With the stadium enhancements starting, the inevitable reduced capacity will have an impact on profit, limiting future recruitment. Despite Farke's wants, bottom half of the table may be our realistic expectations.

Mark: Disappointed we lost 3-0 but at the end of the day we will play Premier League football next season. Onwards and upwards. We will have to spend money and buy well to strengthen the side. Well done, team and management.

Chris: A fairly poor performance. I struggled to stay awake in the first half, though there were a few wasted chances which we probably should have scored. Most of the players probably had their mind on the summer holidays. Felt very strange to have nothing to play for in the last game of the season. Hopefully good recruitment in the summer will get us a top-10 finish next season.

Thomas: It's clear to see why DCL is not going to World Cup. As well as he has done for Leeds, missing chances at this standard is his downfall. Leeds need a striker for next season because even though the game was a dead rubber, playing like that will see them where West Ham have finished.

Simbad: Well, Leeds tried for a bit but there wasn't much fight in the end. A flattering scoreline as West Ham were pretty poor too. A great season for Leeds overall, though, and Farke and the boys should be really proud of the achievement. Europe beckons!

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson reflects on his side's 3-0 final day defeat by West Ham United at London Stadium.

In a match many thought might come as a last chance for both sides to survive in the Premier League, it was only the Hammers who had anything to play for after Daniel Farke's side surged towards safety with weeks to spare.

Listen to the full clip below or on BBC Sounds here

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to Sky Sports: "To be honest, this was probably one game too many, without several key players today. Not in the first half, we missed a few big chances but in the second half we missed many, many key players and missed a bit of quality.

"But we've played a fantastic season as a promoted side. To finish 14th on 47 points is massive, especially given how difficult it was for promoted sides last season.

"We've had many top quality performances, not today but over the season. Compliments to my players and staff, and also to our supporters."

On reasons for such a good first season back in the top flight: "The quality of performance was always on a really good level. We started with the first home game against Everton with a win.

"Consistency in the performances, the Arsenal games were a bit too much for us but otherwise we were competitive. We lacked efficiency early on, dominated the statistics but not the scoreline - the only thing that matters.

"We are not the side with the most individual quality but, as a side, we have shown a lot of skills."

On the summer ahead: "Right now, I'm just tired and want to go home and enjoy the break. You always have to be switched on because you won't win one point as a promoted side in this league if you want. I need to recharge a little but then we look forward to taking the next steps."

Listen to more from Farke speaking to BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Leeds' eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end – the Whites have now gone 14 Premier League games without a win in London (D4 L10).

• Leeds have gone 10 consecutive top-flight games without conceding a first half goal for the first time since doing so in 11 in a row from October to December 1990.

• Farke's side in 2025-26 are the sixth team to go through an entire Premier League season without naming an outfield player aged 30+ in their starting XI – the others are Middlesbrough (2008-09), Aston Villa (2012-13), Spurs (2015-16) and Chelsea (2024-25 and 2025-26).

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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While the game finished with an air of despondency among the home fans, for Leeds it had been a 90-minute party in which they enjoyed a stress-free final day.

Daniel Farke's side had made certain of their Premier League status two weeks ago, meaning they were able to enjoy the closing stages of the campaign.

The scoreline would suggest that the players' minds were already on the summer but to their credit they did put in a performance, at least for the first hour of the match in which they had the better chances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a close-range effort saved in the first half but once the Hammers took the lead, it was clear that the visitors had little desire to push themselves in the 30C heat for a result that would make little difference to the final outcome of their season.

The only disappointment for Farke is that this loss denied them the chance to finish the campaign nine games unbeaten, but that eight-game run without a loss will give them hope of being even more competitive next term.

A fantastic first season back in the Premier League for Leeds culminated in a defeat at West Ham, relegating the Hammers.

With Daniel Farke's future uncertain, there is plenty for Whites fans to ponder over the summer as the club look to push on from an impressive 14th-place finish.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Kyle-Walker Peters all return to the first XI for West Ham as the hosts chase the win they need to have a chance of staying up.

West Ham XI: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Fernandes, Soucek, Bowen, Summerville, Pablo, Castellanos.

Subs: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Scarles, Kilman, Potts, Magassa, Kanté, Lamadrid, Wilson.

There's a boost for Leeds as Pascal Struijk and Jayden Bogle - both fitness doubts for this game - start.

Leeds XI: Darlow; Bijol, Struijk, Rodon; Justin, Stach, Tanaka, Ampadu, James; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Perri, James, Piroe, Bornauw, Byram, Gnoto, Buonanotte, Chadwick, Creswell.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Leeds United right-back Jayden Bogle has been reflecting on his own and the club's season, and looking ahead to Sunday's finale at relegation-threatened West Ham.

"We're in a position where we can hopefully climb a few more places, so the full focus is on us and what we can do. When you step on the pitch you want to win three points," he told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.

Listen to the full interview by hitting play below on BBC Sounds here

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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There is no sign of Leeds United decelerating into the final fixture, but relegating West Ham United is not the motivation, according to manager Daniel Farke.

"We are not responsible for where a different team finishes.," he said this week.

"You still, of course, have empathy for each colleague who is not in the best position, but this won't disturb us from trying to be at our best level."

Another three points are worth around £2.6m but that is not Farke's focus.

He explained: "When I think about the table right now, I want to finish as strong as possible with this group of players, for the honour, for this badge and the pride of Leeds United. I'm not thinking about what it means in terms of money from TV or the budget for next season."

However, United are depleted, especially in midfield, where Sean Longstaff has joined Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev on the sidelines, but the players have been immense in digging out results with resources stretched.

There will be some schadenfreude amongst the fanbase if a fatal blow is delivered to condemn West Ham to the Championship. But if they survive, some Leeds United supporters have admitted publicly that it is an equally agreeable alternative to see Spurs go.

You can hear Leeds United at West Ham United on all BBC Radio Leeds frequencies and on BBC Sounds

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

I am going for Spurs to lose at home to Everton, but can West Ham get the win they need to have any chance of staying up?

I can't see it myself. Hammers midfielder Mateus Fernandes said his side lacked fight in last weekend's defeat by Newcastle, which is really damning, and they have lost form at the worst possible time.

In contrast, Leeds are well organised and playing with so much confidence. I am a big fan of their manager Daniel Farke and I don't see him losing this.

There will be loads of drama and probably loads of chances at both ends too, but I am going for a draw which would send West Ham down to the Championship for the first time since 2011-12.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham need to beat visitors Leeds to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

Two years after parting company with manager David Moyes despite finishing ninth in the league, West Ham need a favour from his current side Everton if they are to avoid relegation.

The Hammers must beat Leeds and hope Tottenham slip up against Everton or they will be relegated from the Premier League for the third time after 2002-03 and 2010-11.

Current form does not spark much optimism – West Ham have lost their past three Premier League games, and could lose four in a row for the first time since 2022, when Moyes was still in charge.

Yet there are also straws to clutch onto – when playing their final league game of the season at home, West Ham have lost just one of the last 19 (W11, D7), and that was in 2010-11, when they were already relegated.

If West Ham are relegated (football statisticians Opta put it as an 85.52% chance), it will no doubt mean a big exodus of players, which could include Crysencio Summerville, who has been a rare bright spot for the Hammers since joining from Saturday's opponents Leeds.

Also likely to be on the move if West Ham go down is their talismanic captain Jarrod Bowen, who has provided assists for eight of their last 12 Premier League goals and looks set to be their top goalscorer for the fifth season in a row, despite not having scored in the league since 31 January.

While West Ham are struggling, Leeds have found a new lease of life, and are currently unbeaten in eight league games (W4, D4), their longest streak since a 13-game run in 2001.

With Premier League safety assured, their aim on Sunday will be to go unbeaten in the final nine games of a top-flight campaign for the first time since 1994-95.

Key to their survival has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin – eyebrows were raised when Leeds gambled on signing him last summer but the former Everton striker has proved his doubters wrong.

Calvert-Lewin has spent the past few seasons struggling with both form and fitness – just 17 league goals across the past four campaigns – but has been revitalised at Leeds, where he has found the net 14 times this season.

It hasn't quite been enough to earn him a place in England's World Cup squad, but it has helped ensure that Leeds will be playing Premier League football again next season.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Dominic Calvert-Lewin being omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.

Here are some of your comments:

Jamie: I feel sorry for him, but it's great for Leeds. Rest over the summer and come back firing. If Harry Kane stays fit the others will get very few minutes anyway.

Gavin: After Harry Kane, Calvert-Lewin must be England's next-best typical English centre forward as his hold up play is excellent and he is always a threat. It's disappointing he has been overlooked after such a good season.

Simon: I think it's England and England fans who are the unlucky ones that Calvert-Lewin is not in the squad. He has shown he has ability and the right mentality and will keep growing.

Chelsea: I'm so gutted DCL isn't going to the World Cup. He's proven he can stay fit and he's a proven poacher. He fully deserves a place on the plane ahead of Ivan Toney!

Phil: I think he is worth a spot as he plays in a much better league than Toney. Having said that, at least he will be fit for the start of next season.

Ash: I think DCL is a bit unlucky, but it's hard to look past the form of Ollie Watkins towards the end of the season. Shame there wasn't room for both.

David: Tuchel will rue not having a genuine target man as an option off the bench.

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 16:00 BST).

You can listen to the audio above or here on BBC Sounds. Below are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "I can confirm that Ilia Gruev is still out, that Gabi Gudmundsson is still out, that Noah Okafor is still out."

• He also said: "Obviously, with Anton [Stach], a bit mixed news. So bad news that he is not available for this game. Good news is it is not a major injury. He just needs to be stitched anyhow."

• Farke also said Sean Longstaff is out due to a "hernia surgery", so he will not be available for this game.

• However, Pascal Struijk is back in training, but they are waiting to "see how his body reacts" and "hopefully" he is available.

• He added: "Jayden Bogle is back in training. Could be that he is perhaps available. We have to wait right now on how his body reacts to this load."

• On beating the drop: "We work at the moment with a smile on our face that's for sure. Of course, when it was confirmed two game days ago there was a big relief and big joy. We had some time between the games to celebrate."

• He added: "We enjoyed the moment, but as professional footballers, coaching staff members and as a manager you are also drilled to be competitive and this is what I feel this week. On the training pitch, it was competitive, everyone was on it! It wasn't a relaxed mood playing football on the beach. Everyone wanted to win in the training game, and exercises."

• On the future of players whose contracts are expiring in the summer: "Not yet if I'm honest. I mentioned in my last press conference that right now is the time for us to talk about a few things and sit together."

• He added: "Obviously we know that we have a couple of contracts running out, and we will make a decision pretty soon and it will be announced as soon as it's spoken about."

Listen to West Ham United v Leeds United - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

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Leeds United got to face West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season with a part to play in the relegation battle. Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix look ahead to the final game on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been left out of Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad.

How unlucky do you think the United striker is to miss out? Is there anyone he should have gone instead of?

You can get in touch with your views here