Leeds must hand 'excellent' Darlow new deal - Popepublished at 11:29 BST 20 May
11:29 BST 20 May
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes Leeds United must hand goalkeeper Karl Darlow a new contract after an "excellent" season.
Darlow has cemented himself as Daniel Farke's number one between the sticks, holding off competition from Illan Meslier and last summer's signing Lucas Perri, who many thought would become the first-choice keeper at Elland Road.
Pope says it is an "absolute credit" to Darlow that he has managed to make the position his own and help the Whites secure their Premier League status comfortably.
Speaking on the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope said: "In my opinion, you have to give him a new deal.
"His distribution [against Brighton] was absolutely amazing. He's pinging balls across the park. He's been excellent, and yes, I'm not saying he was content to be number two, but he knew he was coming into the season as number two, which was harsh. He's seen off everybody.
"Absolute credit to him and to keep motivated and credit to the coaching staff and manager as well, but for him personally to enhance his career when he started on the back foot at the start of the season.
"Incredible. He's made so many point-saving or match-winning saves."
Start of Elland Road redevelopment 'unbelievably exciting' - Lowypublished at 08:12 BST 20 May
08:12 BST 20 May
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty Images
No sooner had the empty beer bottles and wine glasses been swept up by the catering staff after ushering the corporate ticket holders from the Norman Hunter, Lucas Radebe and Billy Bremner Suites after heartily celebrating Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late winner against Brighton on Sunday, work began on Elland Road's John Charles Stand.
There is nothing like an added-time winner to round off a home season, especially against a European-chasing outfit. It served as a reminder that Leeds are already a competitive force in a Premier League in which they are assured of another campaign.
The joyous riot on the final whistle and beyond maybe tempered the sadness of the dawning realisation that one facade of the club's ancestral home will, over the next three and a half seasons, be transformed beyond recognition.
The West Stand is the beginning of the uplift of the ground's capacity to eventually more than 50,000 once the Don Revie Kop end is enhanced afterwards.
Vital to the project is the provision of either a light rail or tram from Leeds city centre with a stop at Elland Road and then on to the White Rose area. Club director Peter Lowy, founder of the Lowy Family Group who are developing the 30 acres around the stadium, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and leader of Leeds City Council James Lewis committing all parties to the vision.
Lowy, who was speaking at a UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum event in the city, said: "The key to the investment in Leeds is the redevelopment of the stadium, because if you can't get the stadium to be more than 36,000 seats, you can't raise the money to build a Premier League football team.
"So, once you do that, the stadium redevelopment is the anchor for us to be able to do a major redevelopment on a piece of land that hasn't seen anything in 40 years. It's also one of the most deprived, South Leeds is in the lowest 5% of the economic ladder of the UK.
"Through regeneration and development as we did in Stratford (in London with his former company Westfield), you can actually totally and utterly change the economic area around the development that you do. And so we came here and I took on one of the hardest jobs I've ever done. It's the most fun I've ever had, and to see the stadium [work] start is unbelievably exciting."
Brabin, who is as passionate as Lowy about the project, revealed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is on board too.
"There was a briefing that came out of number 10 saying the Prime Minister supports the tram," Brabin said. "So we have all the political backing, we just need to make sure that we can be innovative and dynamic in the process so that whether it's phasing, however we do it, your success is my success and we are going to deliver that tram."
'Leeds must seize this moment at all costs'published at 12:25 BST 19 May
12:25 BST 19 May
Adonis Storr Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
After a tremendous finish to the season, Daniel Farke has called for Leeds United to invest heavily this summer.
Since beating Chelsea with a new-look formation in December, the Whites sit a staggering sixth in the form table. Had Farke found the formula faster, Leeds would be challenging for Europe.
With meaningful investment and using these tactics from the start of next season, United could realistically place much higher than their current position of 14th.
"Leeds have had one good season in the Premier League in the last 25 years, the [first] season with Marcelo [Bielsa], and we didn't build on it," said Farke before Sunday's win over Brighton.
The German was referencing the summer of 2021.
Five years ago, then-manager Bielsa had also found a style of football that allowed the club to compete in the Premier League.
Following a ninth-place finish, Leeds made just three purchases for the first team: Dan James, Junior Firpo and Jack Harrison (who had been on loan at the club since 2018) - all of whom were still young and unproven prospects.
At the time, Leeds had not signed a central midfielder for more than three and a half years.
When asked by a fan who the new midfielder would be on social media during that window, then-owner Andrea Radrizzani had replied: "Adam Forshaw." Forshaw was the last midfielder Leeds had bought and he had been plagued by injuries.
Not investing sufficiently was a disastrous policy and 185 days after the infamous 'Forshaw' tweet, Bielsa was sacked.
By the time Farke arrived two years later, Marcelo's legacy was in tatters and the club was a mess; and most of the problems the German inherited could be traced back to that pivotal summer of 2021 and the failure to invest.
Under Farke's tenure, the club have again forged a formula that works in the Premier League, but this time Leeds must seize this moment at all costs.
Calvert-Lewin has been 'absolutely essential' for Leeds this seasonpublished at 08:05 BST 19 May
08:05 BST 19 May
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope says Dominic Calvert-Lewin's role in this Leeds United side has been "absolutely essential" after he scored again to help the Whites beat Brighton at Elland Road on the weekend.
The England international took his goal tally for the season to 14 in the league and Pope believes it is a "tremendous return" for a striker leading the line for a team trying to stay in the Premier League.
Calvert-Lewin signed for the club last summer as a free agent and many did not expect to see this sort of level from the former Everton striker, who had failed to net more than 10 league goals in a single campaign since the 2020-21 season.
Speaking on the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope said: " You could've maybe thought at points in the season, does he do his job? Does he get 10 goals, which was probably going to exceed my expectations?
"30 starts and he has 14 goals, but if you look at it like that it's a tremendous return for a side that's trying to stay in the division.
"The fans have been with him from the start, once he got a regular place and he was back fit. The fans have been with him even when he wasn't scoring. His role in that side is absolutely essential."
Speaking about Calvert-Lewin's winner against the Seagulls, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan described it as "top-class number nine play".
"His touch is brilliant, it is the perfect touch to take the goalkeeper out of the game," he said. "He then has the foresight and vision to see a defender is coming, he gets himself steady while being tackled, so he has the strength of that.
"It is absolutely top-class number-nine play. Absolutely brilliant."
A 1-0 win over Brighton brought the curtain down on the home element of Leeds United's season on Sunday.
BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope are joined by Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix to reflect on the game and talk about the futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Karl Darlow.
You can hear it all on episode 207 of the popular Radio Leeds podcast - 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.
David: Thought it was a pretty even game. Brighton looked dangerous when attacking and so did we. Looked like a 0-0 then Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalised on a Brighton error and we won the game. We defended brilliantly throughout the match. Great win.
Rob: Fantastic win. We carried on playing until the final whistle, soaking up pressure and taking our chance is how you survive in the Premier League. We weren't lucky, just doing our job. I love it.
Mark: Leeds' never-say-die approach is just awesome. Opponents consistently underestimate what a good Premier League team they have become. MOT.
Christine: So proud of Leeds and how they have handled their return to the Premier League. Their tenacity and determination has been first class. To all the so-called fans who were crying out for Daniel Farke's head earlier in the season, bet you are celebrating this win. It annoys me so much when, as soon as a team isn't performing, they want the manager sacked. I have supported Leeds since 1966, lived through the highs and lows and still supported the team. That's what true Leeds fans do. Well done, Leeds, so proud to be a supporter.
Brighton fans
Barry: Extending Fabian Hurzeler's contract now looks questionable after a result like this. Brighton would do better without him.
Joe: Well, the thought of Champions League football next season was a fun one, but let's be honest, we haven't got the attacking strength and depth to compete in the Champions League. Welbeck will need a replacement before long, Rutter has the yips and, for me, Minteh and Gomez are barely top-half Premier League level, let alone Champions League.
Chris: Wasteful is the best way to describe this performance. Wasteful with chances, and wasteful of the opportunity to secure European football again. Brighton have done it the hard way a lot of times in our history, and we are going to have to beat Manchester United to ensure we get it again. That will be some atmosphere at the Amex.
Kevin: Can sum that performance up as Sunday league stuff. Too many sideways or backward passes, no conviction up front and a schoolboy error (again) from Van Hecke, which could cost us a place in Europe. Such a disappointment. When we needed the team to shine, no-one did!
'We're a group of friends' - Bornauw on 'tough' Leeds seasonpublished at 12:25 BST 18 May
12:25 BST 18 May
Media caption,
Sebastiaan Bornauw says it's "amazing playing for Leeds", as the defender joins Jaka Bijol to reflect on Premier League survival and Sunday's stoppage-time win over Brighton.
'Fit, firing and raring to go' - Calvert-Lewin's message to Tuchelpublished at 08:43 BST 18 May
08:43 BST 18 May
John Bennett Final Score reporter at Elland Road
Image source, Getty Images
Fitness issues are often cited as the reason why there would be doubts around Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading to the World Cup this summer, but all you have to do is watch his winning goal against Brighton for evidence of just how strong he is feeling at the end of this season.
It had been a gruelling 90 minutes for the striker. He had been chasing scraps, with Brighton having most of the ball and creating the majority of the chances.
But then, deep into injury-time, Calvert-Lewin was there to sprint at full pace on to an awful Jan Paul van Hecke back pass, as if it was the first minute of the game, before calmly touching the ball around the goalkeeper and finishing things off from a tight angle.
If there was any tiredness, you would have never guessed it. His celebration even involved a sprint across the penalty area, with his team-mates struggling to catch him as he threw his shirt off.
The message from that goal to England boss Thomas Tuchel was that he is fit, firing and raring to go, if he gets on that plane to the United States this summer.
For more proof of what a great season Calvert-Lewin has had, when Leeds did a lap of honour after the final whistle, the striker got the second biggest cheer from the Elland Road supporters, with the biggest being reserved for manager Daniel Farke.
The chances are that Calvert-Lewin won't make Tuchel's final World Cup 26-man squad, especially after the run Ollie Watkins has been on at the end of this season.
But, whatever happens, the Leeds number nine can look back on his 2025-26 campaign with immense pride. He has proven he is still one of the best English strikers in the Premier League.
Gossip: Leeds expect new Ampadu deal published at 08:02 BST 18 May
08:02 BST 18 May
Leeds United want to extend Wales midfielder Ethan Ampadu's contract with the club and expect the 25-year-old to agree as he is also keen on a new deal. (Football Insider), external
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:59 BST 18 May
07:59 BST 18 May
Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
Analysis: Farke proves a point in Leeds' late winpublished at 17:56 BST 17 May
17:56 BST 17 May
Adwaidh Rajan BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After flirting with relegation all season, Leeds United finally secured Premier League safety with three games to spare but they barely had any time to celebrate before Daniel Farke plunged his future into doubt.
The German, however, has said he wants to stay on and Sunday's thrilling 1-0 victory against Europe-chasing Brighton was further evidence as to why Leeds need to back him.
Leeds were forced onto the backfoot all game and had to dig deep before finding the late goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin - a perfect parting gift from Farke in their final game at Elland Road this season if he is to leave this summer.
It was Leeds' first win against Brighton in the Premier League after seven previous meetings (D3 L4) - and their tally of 47 points with one game remaining is much better than they have managed in their two most recent top-flight campaigns (31 and 38).
It all signals their upward trajectory under Farke, whose stock will only go up following this latest victory.
The only blight in a memorable afternoon at Leeds was an injury to midfielder Anton Stach, who had to be carried off on a stretcher after a challenge from Carlos Baleba, putting his World Cup hopes with Germany in the balance.
Leeds 1-0 Brighton: What Farke and Calvert-Lewin saidpublished at 17:40 BST 17 May
17:40 BST 17 May
Media caption,
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to Sky Sports about the win: "I love my players and I always believe in them. These are a massive three points for us. It sums up our season perfectly.
"It was such a difficult game. We had to defend but we stayed in the game. It is a priceless three points for us."
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance: "In the second half, we were getting more and more tired. We said at half-time that they would make more mistakes - but to stay awake that late in the game, finish it and stay composed, well done Dominic [Calvert-Lewin]."
On Anton Stach's injury: "We will have to assess him. I believe someone fell on his knee or his ankle. He couldn't carry on."
Forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been talking to Sky Sports about his winner: "It is a great feeling for everyone involved. All of our families are here, as is the case for the final home game of the season.
"You have got to hang in there. The pitch dried up a little bit and I think that helped me. It shows the mentality we've got. We want to try to finish as high as possible up the table.
"I've loved every minute of this season. I'm so grateful to play in front of these fans. You see the reception I get when I score, the whole stadium is singing my name."
Did you know?
Leeds United extended their Premier League unbeaten streak to eight games (W4 D4), which is their longest run in the competition since November 2001 (13).
Daniel Farke's side have won three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since August 2001 (5 in a row).
No English player has scored more Premier League goals this season than Dominic Calvert-Lewin (14 - level with Morgan Gibbs-White and Ollie Watkins).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds United v Brighton published at 11:01 BST 17 May
11:01 BST 17 May
A lot has changed about Leeds since they got thumped by Brighton at Amex Stadium in November.
This will be a lot closer, and because of that it is also a lot harder to call.
I've been getting my Brighton predictions wrong for most of the season and I am not exactly confident that this will be the week when that changes.
I was tempted to back the Seagulls here because they are in good form and can still make sixth spot, but Leeds are playing well too and they were unlucky not to beat Tottenham on Monday.
Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:17 BST 16 May
12:17 BST 16 May
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (15:00 GMT), with Leeds going in search of their first top-flight win against Brighton since 1982.
Job done for Leeds
Leeds can celebrate mission accomplished in their final home game of the season, with Premier League survival made mathematically certain by West Ham's defeat against Arsenal last Sunday.
Despite achieving their goal with three games to spare, Daniel Farke's side nonetheless produced a typically committed display against Tottenham on Monday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's second-half penalty earned the Whites a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten run to seven league matches, and it could have been even better – Sean Longstaff was denied a late winner by a brilliant reflex save from Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
A strong end to the campaign could still see Leeds finish in midtable – theoretically even inside the top half – but there is additional motivation for Calvert-Lewin, who is pressing his claims for a place in England's World Cup squad.
The 29-year-old has scored in back-to-back appearances, taking his tally to 13 top-flight goals for the season, the joint-second highest total of his career.
Sixth place in sight for Seagulls
With Bournemouth not in action until Tuesday, when they host title-chasing Manchester City, a Brighton victory at Elland Road will take them sixth in the table.
Finishing in that position would guarantee Fabian Hurzeler's side Europa League football next season and could even result in Champions League qualification – if Aston Villa end fifth and win Wednesday's Europa League final.
The in-form Seagulls comfortably defeated bottom side Wolves last time out, claiming their sixth Premier League win since the start of March – no side has more victories in that period.
Hurzeler's team can also draw confidence from their excellent record in this fixture. They have not lost a top-flight game against Leeds for 44 years, winning four and drawing three of the seven Premier League meetings since then.
Farke 'has not been such a company man' in 'staggering' press conferencepublished at 07:41 BST 16 May
07:41 BST 16 May
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan says Daniel Farke has "bascally taken it upon himself" to publicly address both his and the club's future in a "staggering" press conference on Friday.
Farke said he is "not the right choice" to remain in charge of the club if they fail to match his ambition in the summer.
Farke led Leeds to Premier League safety with three games to spare in their first campaign back in the top flight, but said the club needs to do more than just maintain "the status quo" next season.
He said there is "no doubt in my head" that he wants to stay on Whites manager.
Buchan told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "He has basically taken it upon himself to address the future, his future, the club's future, and whether he will actually be a part of that future moving forward.
"It was staggering I thought.
"This was almost Daniel Farke going public. We know how professional he is, and he was still professional in this environment, we know he's very much a company man, a great executive as we have heard him be called.
"But today he has not been such a company man because he's gone, 'well we need to have conversations about where the company is heading and are we at the same direction?'
"He essentially said he can't take control of another season where the target and aim is to avoid relegation.
"He didn't want to talk about his contract, he said it's not about his contract, it's about the vision of the club going forward. Now, we can read into that what we want to read into that."
Farke is 'preaching to the choir'published at 19:21 BST 15 May
19:21 BST 15 May
Media caption,
On the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix discuss Daniel Farke's powerful words in his news conference before the Brighton game.
Rix said Farke was "preaching to the choir" with his comments but questioned whether Leeds' "objectives are complete" like the United boss appeared to believe.
Image source, Getty Images
