Leeds United

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New Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe - who is also Leeds United chairman - shut down any talk of either being each other's feeder club.

Marathe, who is also a senior executive with the San Francisco 49ers, quelled any such concerns as well as worries that Rangers' European involvement could be threatened by their ties to Premier League side, Leeds.

"It would be a disservice to Leeds and Rangers to consider one a feeder club to the other," he said after Monday's extraordinary general meeting where the new owners' £20 million investment was approved.

"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care – we will designate and assign resources appropriately.

"But it's obvious that there are opportunities to learn from each other, whether it's commercially or competitively on the pitch.

"In my mind it's a real positive to have two clubs like that, but there's not one that is subordinate to the other. That would be a disservice."

Marathe also assured there would be no similar problems to those encountered by Crystal Palace, whose Europa League spot was in doubt before American owner John Textor – also a shareholder in French side Lyon – sold his stake in the London club.

"We have checked the box with those that we need to to make sure that if and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that," Marathe added.

"That has already been solved, so we are good there."

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We asked for your views on Jaka Bijol, who became Leeds' second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

David: This looks like a very good signing, he is very difficult to get past. He times the tackles well when going to ground. Not surprisingly he is also strong in the air and can score goals.

Jamie: When I heard rumours he was coming to Elland Road I watched a few videos. Big, powerful, looks like another great type of defender we love, will put himself in the way of absolutely anything! Might pick up a card or two, but we can't complain if he's doing the job he's asked to do.

Chris: Remember seeing him play against England at the Euros last year, had Harry Kane in his back pocket.

We also asked what positions Leeds should be looking at for their next signing...

Mike: We desperately need a top class goalkeeper and centre forward.

Dave: Leeds need a pair of strikers and a good no.10. Anything else will make the season very hard. Goals make points and 40 is our target!

Mark: Now that Bijol is done, we need a goalkeeper, left back, number 10 and a centre forward. Not too much to ask for!

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New Leeds United signing Jaka Bijol has promised to "give everything" for the club after joining from Udinese.

The central defender completed a move from the Serie A side on Monday, signing a five-year deal to keep him at Elland Road until 2030.

"This is a big day for me, for my family and I'm happy to be here," Bijol told club media.

"Maybe the biggest one [challenge] of my career so far, but I'm ready for it.

"I work for it and that's why I'm here, because it's a big challenge for everyone. It's a big challenge for me, for the club, and we're getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

"I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there."

Despite only being 26, Bijol has already gained a wealth of experience having played over 250 games at senior level across Slovenia, Russia, Germany and Italy, and has featured in Champions League and Europa League matches.

Supporters will be hoping he can use this to help them on their return to the Premier League this upcoming campaign.

"I saw some bits of the [trophy] parade - really nice images and you enjoyed it a lot last season. I hope we enjoy it together next year as well," Bijol added.

"It gives you goosebumps, you see all the people who are really passionate about the club and everything.

"I knew it is a big club already and it just confirms it, you really see a lot of people are really involved in the club - passionately, emotionally and I'm really excited to see that next season in Elland Road."

Image source, Leeds United

Leeds United have completed the signing of defender Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese.

The 26-year-old joins on a five-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £15m and becomes the Whites' second signing of the summer following the arrival of forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer.

Bijol made 37 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring twice and providing two assists.

The Slovenia international began his career with Rudar Velenje in his homeland and brings a wealth of experience having had spells in Russia and Germany, before moving to Udinese in 2022.

He made his international debut in 2018 at the age of 19 and has racked up 63 caps so far.

What do you make of the new signing?

And what else do Leeds need to address this summer?

Let us know

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Leeds United Supporters' Club treasurer Phil Beeton says he hopes owners the 49ers Enterprises will back manager Daniel Farke over the summer.

After securing promotion to the Premier League, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has said the Whites spending £100m would be "just about feasible".

"His track record is brilliant in the Championship and I'm glad we stuck with him," Beeton said on Farke in a chat with BBC Radio Leeds.

"I'm glad he proved he could do it again. We finished top, top scorers, had a tremendous points total with 100.

"I like the guy. He keeps himself to himself but he knows what he wants to do. I think the difference between next year and previous seasons where he's been up there and come straight back down is he could have a little bit of financial backing and bring in players he wants in areas he wants to strengthen.

"I hope the 49ers will back him on that. He deserves a chance. Anybody who's done a job like that does.

"You have to ask yourself what do you want. The big problem is the expectations."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

BBC Radio Leeds editor Jonathan Buchan believes Leeds United are placing great emphasis on signing players to improve the "physicality" of the team this summer.

The club are rumoured to have struck a deal for 6ft 2in defender Jaka Bijol from Udinese.

Buchan believes the club are determined to sign players that will stop Leeds from conceding as many goals as newly-promoted sides in recent Premier League campaigns.

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Daniel Farke has made his first move in the summer transfer window, deciding to sign Wolfsburg's Lukas Nmecha to bolster his attacking options for the club's return to the Premier League - but who is their new forward?

Nmecha came through Manchester City's academy, making his Premier League debut in April 2018 under Pep Guardiola, before being loaned out to Preston North End, Wolfsburg, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht to gain more experience.

After 14 years on City's books, the attacker re-joined Wolfsburg on a permanent deal in July 2021, having got a taste for the club during his previous loan spell.

The 26-year-old has since spent four years playing in the Bundesliga, making 73 appearances, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists.

Nmecha is also a full German international and has represented his country seven times at senior level.

The forward should also add versatility to Leeds United's forward line, with his ability to play as a centre-forward and as a winger.

He will officially arrive at Elland Road when his current contract expires on 1 July.

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BBC Radio Leeds broadcaster Adam Pope believes the anticipation for Leeds' opening game will be "almost feral" after it was announced they will play on a Monday night.

Elland Road will host Everton in Leeds' first game back in the Premier League on Monday, 18 August at 20:00 BST, meaning they will get to watch all the other top flight sides in action beforehand.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds' 'Don't Go To Bed Just Yet' podcast, Pope said that while a traditional Saturday fixture would have been nice, waiting a few extra days will only build anticipation.

"I wasn't expecting it to be Everton, I thought maybe Liverpool," he said. "The only disappointment is it's not going to be on Match Of The Day as it's a Monday night!

"It'll be so full of anticipation - it'll be brilliant. Everton have a new home [but will be] coming to one of the hardest atmospheres you can come to in the Premier League. Leeds will be so up for that game.

"It'll be interesting to see where the squads lie coming into the game, but having seen all the games at the weekend waiting for that Monday night, the anticipation will be almost feral."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Fulham have rejected a £26m offer, with a further £6m in add-ons, from newly-promoted Leeds for Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz, 24. (Standard), external

Nice and Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand, 23, is attracting interest from Leeds and Tottenham, who have both made contact with the player's representatives. (TBR Football), external

England goalkeeper Nick Pope, 33, does not want to leave Newcastle despite interest from Leeds. (TBR Football), external

Leeds are among the clubs interested in 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is expected to leave Juventus this summer. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' 'Don't Go To Bed Just Yet' podcast has landed.

The team react to the Premier League fixture list and also discuss the type of players the club must sign to avoid relegation.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

All three newly promoted sides now know who they will face in the opening round of fixtures for the upcoming season.

Two of those three have landed home games, with Sunderland hosting West Ham United and Leeds United taking on Everton.

Burnley begin on the road with a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Matchday one has often been a reality check for clubs finding their feet in the top flight. Throughout the entirety of the Premier League era, promoted teams have collectively won just 17 times from 92 matches (excluding three occasions on which they have faced each other) – a success rate of only 18.5%.

They have also conceded nearly twice as many goals as they have scored.

Which of Sunderland, Leeds or Burnley are most likely to buck that trend in 2025-26?

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We asked for your views on the fixture schedule and where you think Leeds will be after 10 games.

Here are some of your comments:

Clan: I'd be happy with a win, loss and a draw for the first 3 games. If we can finish above the relegation zone, then it is job done for the first season!

Peter: We will struggle this season. I think - and hope - we will survive. It's all to do with recruiting the best players we can afford. I think mid-table woud be a success.

William: We have to be realistic here. It is getting virtually impossible to stay in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship. I think we will be 18th after 10 games.

Andrew: Home to Everton is a good start for us. The last thing a newly promoted team needs is to be given a beating by the likes of Man City or Liverpool! Working on the basis that we're aiming largely for survival this season, taking 15 points from the first 10 games seems feasible, depending on how our transfer market activity plays out. Marching on Together! Even if we have to wait until next year to beat Manchester United!

Steve: If we're not already down, the run in from March to the end of the season is not as frightening as it could be. The key is for us to get the points in the bag early, which won't be easy. Leeds can stay up, but will need 12 points from Sunderland and Burnley as a foundation to build on. Bring it on!

Opta has ranked the difficulty of each top-flight team's first five Premier League fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

According to Opta's model, Manchester United have the hardest start, followed by their opening-weekend opponents Arsenal and then Bournemouth.

Aston Villa's first five games have been ranked the easiest, alongside Crystal Palace.

Take a look below to see where your side places...

Andrew Bassett
BBC Sport data analyst

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We have seen a lot of traffic to our fixtures pages already today.

So far, Leeds United are the fourth most visited club fixtures page on BBC Sport.

Only Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are ahead of the Whites.

Newly promoted Sunderland also catch the eye inside the top 10 - and in case you were wondering, they are behind Newcastle United.

Aside from the opening weekend's game against Everton and the final fixture of the season against West Ham United, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.

See Leeds' full fixture list here

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The PFA awards have announced a shortlist of six for their Championship Players' Player of the Year award, with promoted Burnley and Leeds United each receiving two nominations.

Clarets captain Josh Brownhill and goalkeeper James Trafford are both up for the prize, while Leeds forward Dan James and midfielder Ao Tanaka are also on the list.

The remaining two nominations have gone to Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer and Norwich City forward Borja Sainz.

The winner will be announced on 19 August at Manchester's Opera House.

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It's on Leeds United to bring the curtain down on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with their first game at home to Everton on Monday, 18 August, with kick-off at 20:00 BST.

Elsewhere, Leeds fans will have to wait for the highly anticipated meetings with Manchester United, with their first encounter coming as their opening game of 2026 at Elland Road.

The return fixture is scheduled for the weekend of 11-12 April.

And what about the schedule over Christmas and New Year? Well, their final game before Christmas will see Crystal Palace travel to Elland Road.

Leeds then hit the road for a trip to fellow newly promoted side Sunderland and are due to round off the year with a difficult trip to defending champions Liverpool.

The Whites, who were last in the Premier League in 2023, will close their campaign with a trip to London Stadium to face West Ham on Sunday, 24 May 2026 - when all 10 matches will kick off at 16:00 BST.

Looking at the fixture list, where do you think Farke's side will be after 10 games? Have your say here

Leeds United will host Everton in their opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

The match will take place on Monday, 18 August at 20:00 BST, with the Whites' first away fixture against Arsenal on the weekend of 23-24 August.

See Leeds' Premier League fixtures in full here

Where do you think United will be after 10 games and what do you make of how the fixtures have fallen? Tell us here

Leeds United and Aston Villa are keen on 21-year-old Strasbourg and Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra. (Sports Mole), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Former Leeds manager and club legend Howard Wilkinson says he is extremely grateful for the statue that is being erected outside Elland Road.

Wilkinson's legacy with Leeds is defined by leading the club to its last top-flight league title in 1991–92, making him the last English manager to win the First Division before it became the Premier League.

Appointed in 1988, he also secured promotion from the Second Division in 1990 and laid the foundations for a modernised club structure, including investment in youth development.

"I think early it was over the telephone, and I just went, 'what, why? Statue?" Wilkinson said to BBC Sport West Yorkshire.

"All I can say is, I'm extremely grateful and very aware of what it means.

"Well, I will only be asked my opinion, and my wife will support that I am not the best in what is good and not good art. I do believe that creating a sculpture will require a great deal of artistic talent."

Listen on BBC Sounds

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As the transfer window is now open again until 1 September, we asked for you to tell us one player you want to bring to Leeds United and one player you want the club to sell.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Sell Brenden Aaronson and buy James McAtee.

Danny: Sell Joe Gelhardt for his own development and future, he's missed his chance at Leeds. Buy Gustavo Hamer to play the number 10 role and be the bridge between defence and attack.

Steve: I'd sell Meslier as Darlow is more than good enough and the defence look more confident with him behind them. I'd love to see Gustavo Hamer come to Elland Road. Our style of play is perfect for him.

Ronnie: Leeds would benefit tremendously by bringing in Gus Hamer from Sheffield United. He has exceptional talent and speed to win the ball and run with it into the danger area where he will either score or give it to another player who is in a better position. Sam Byram must be let go. He is a lovely lad and would work his socks off but is at the peak of his skills which fall short of the Premier League.

Les: Sell Meslier, buy Ramsdale. Meslier has been the cause of a lot of losses over the years. I think he was a major factor in relegation from the Premier League and could have cost Leeds promotion.

No sooner does the season finish and we start looking forward to key dates for the next campaign - and that will be a lot easier to do on Wednesday when the Premier League fixtures are released.

That's right, that special day in the calendar is almost here already. The day when you'll learn details of derby fixtures, Christmas opponents and end-of-season run-ins.

This page will bring you all the fixtures when they drop at 09:00 BST on Wednesday and we'll be giving you the chance to have your say on how things look.

The new campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 16 August and it will conclude on Sunday, 24 May 2026, when all 10 games will take place at the same time.