Leeds United

Tom Mallows
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds have apologised "unreservedly" after German authorities said their fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.

The Whites will travel to Germany for an eight-day training camp as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's side made a similar trip last summer and were asked by police and local authorities not to bring supporters because of the resources needed to host Euro 2024.

Leeds say they had "written assurances" from the German Football Association and their tour operator that supporters could attend this year, but have now been told they cannot.

"Frustratingly, despite having matches agreed for a number of months, we have in the last week been informed that the police and local authorities will once again not grant a permit for us to play matches in front of spectators, will prohibit us from providing live updates and video streams, and have requested we discourage supporter travel," Leeds said in a statement.

"This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, pursuing alternative scenarios that would allow for fan attendance, and even evaluating moving camp to a different location on short notice.

"Unfortunately, those efforts were fruitless due to the last-second nature of our change in circumstances.

"This result is deeply frustrating to all of us, just as it is sure to frustrate and anger you, our loyal supporters, to whom we apologise unreservedly for this outcome."

The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" for the decision and will be contacting the German authorities.

"We respect the club and Daniel Farke's desire to keep a successful training camp in Germany, but would expect a valid reason from the authorities as to why once again Leeds United fans are being unduly excluded," the group said.

Fulham have no interest in offloading 24-year-old Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz despite interest from Leeds. (Sky Sports), external

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Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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

With that, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe explained to the media corps at a Rangers press conference, where he is now vice chairman, that neither club is superior to the other.

Rangers are a Champions League club and Leeds are not. United have a trek ahead to enforce a situation similar to Crystal Palace owner and Lyon share holder John Textor who was sweating on a conflict of interest when it came to entering Uefa competitions with both clubs.

Nonetheless, supporters will wonder where the 49ers investment will be concentrated.

Marathe is clear on this subject: "If and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that."

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The 49ers issue with Leeds is far more pressing than worrying about an ownership model, which may or may not have them compromised with Rangers in terms of European football. For now anyway. After all, survival in the top flight is the sole aim for United.

With approval given for £20m investment at Ibrox, Rangers new chairman Andrew Cavenagh is impatient to become the dominant force in Scottish football. The truth is the 49ers will be working on many multiples of that figure to preserve Leeds' Premier League status.

Spending £15m this week on new signing Jaka Bijol is an initial indication of the size of the commitment by the owners to keeping United in the Premier League.

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BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast have been discussing possible profit and sustainability rules issues Leeds United could face.

Under the Premier League's PSR rules, clubs are allowed to lose £105m over a rolling three-year period.

"There's a lot of mistakes in the past that I think is part of it [PSR issues], the TV money being down too, but it is a temporary problem I think," Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix said.

"I don't think it is a permanent problem. The year we get rid of that first year in the Championship, which is next year, it is one of the reasons it is OK.

"If we do some of this stuff where we do backload it this year, it is OK because next year our PSR position will be loads better because we will have a year in the Championship where we did well, sold a load of players and the PSR was good, and two years in the Premier League.

"So, suddenly, in a year's time if we are having this conversation, we will actually be quite safe it seems and have lots of money to spend if we want to. It is just getting through this year where it is sticky."

BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Johnny Buchan added: "There has also got to be a churn in the squad this year, because we have got to increase the standard of the squad, so it is really difficult timing-wise.

"The messaging from the club has all been them saying that it is workable, it is manageable. Yes, it is difficult, it is tight, but it is workable and manageable this year.

"They have got lots of experience in the building dealing with this from dealing with it in the NFL and salary caps that are in place over there, so lots of experience. Yes, it is a different sport, but money is money, spreadsheets are spreadsheets."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on whether Leeds should sell the likes of Mateo Joseph and Illan Meslier or keep them at the club

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Meslier endured a difficult end to the season. Clearly a talent but his unforced errors were costly. Maybe time to cash in? Joseph is clearly a talent but needs more experience and more regular game time. Can we afford that in the Premier League?

Glynn: Send Joseph out on loan to get more experience. He has talent but lacks experience. Sell Meslier for his own good and for the good of the club.

Martin: Keep Joseph and send him out on loan. He showed his talent early last year but faded as pressure mounted. However, Meslier cannot recover at Leeds. A good goalie but too much baggage now to stay. Sell him and get Pope or another top confident goal stopper.

Graham: In a word, sell. Both of them. Neither have a future at Leeds.

Dan: It's a tricky one with Joseph as he's still young and has potential but at the start of last season he was positioned as our main striker and given that opportunity, only to come up short with Joel Piroe being the main man. At the same time though Joseph shone for Spain's Under 21s but international Under 21s and Premier League football are very different. If we could get £10-15m for him I'd take it!

Lee: Joseph and Meslier are both going to be stars of the future. I would sign them both to six-year contracts, then send them out on loan for a year. They both just need some confidence and some consistent playing time.

Stephen: Keep Joseph but make sure he gets minutes out on loan, I think there's a player there but he's not ready for the top flight. Meslier probably needs a move away to restart his career, he's only gone backwards at Leeds and a fresh start might give him the chance to reach his potential. I don't think the fans or the defenders in front of him would like to see him on the pitch again. Not after the points he dropped single-handedly last season.

Leeds are yet to receive an offer for goalkeeper Illan Meslier, despite reports he is due to have a medical with Fenerbahce. (Sky Sports), external

Doncaster are keen on bringing Whites midfielder Charlie Crew back to the club on loan for a second time. (Yorkshire Post), external

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

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On the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope speak with Simon Rix of the Kaiser Chiefs about the future of Mateo Joseph.

As the Whites plot their way through the summer transfer window and prepare for their Premier League return, can they risk letting Joseph (and others) be sold, only for them to have a great seasons elsewhere and potentially end up at a rival club?

Would they be better keeping him on their books and in the squad for the campaign or sending someone like Joseph out on loan instead?

What do you think Leeds should do? Should they sell the likes of Joseph and Meslier? Or keep them on the books?

Let us know

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Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope says summer signing Jaka Bijol, who joined from Serie A side Udinese for an undisclosed fee, will be an "experienced addition" to Daniel Farke's squad for the club's return to the top-flight.

Speaking about Leeds United's second summer acquisition, Pope said: "From what I understand about the way the club are going about survival in the Premier League, they want to be strong in both boxes.

"Jaka Bijol is a centre-back that can also play in midfield. He can score goals and he will be a presence defensively because of his size.

"I think he fits right into the physicality that the club believe they need to stay up in the Premier League.

"I would like to think he will be an addition to what's already a big enough backline. However, [Pascal] Struijk has been injured for two seasons in a row now.

"It might be that the club has to let a player go to help with the financial parameters that are around but, right now, he is definitely an addition. He is an experienced one as well.

"He is 26 years old so they have signed him in his prime. He has made more than 50 appearances for Slovenia, having made his debut as a teenager. He has played in Germany and Russia and Italy, so that's pretty good pedigree.

"He seems to be a well-rounded guy. I think it sounds like - character-wise, experience-wise and position-wise - the club might have found a really good fit for what they require."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds

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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."

Image source, Getty Images

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!

Image source, Leeds United

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.