Leeds United

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

As Leeds close in on the signing of Switzerland international winger Noah Okafor from AC Milan, pending his medical, fans on this page have been sending in questions asking when, or if, another pure centre-forward will arrive at Elland Road.

That is because Okafor, 25, who is expected to cost about £17m, can be viewed as this season's Manor Solomon rather than as a striker.

Questions continue to be asked about the injury risk surrounding former Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which the club have been candid in recognising, especially after bringing in Lukas Nmecha, who has had his own fitness issues too.

However, Calvert-Lewin was not a knee-jerk purchase by the club's recruitment.

He was seen as a key target who Leeds are delighted to land as he turned down Champions League football and other attractive offers to settle on Elland Road.

At 28 years of age, with more than 50 and 200 Premier League goals and appearances respectively, the Yorkshireman will feel he can be the main man.

Factor in the track record of Daniel Farke and his medical staff of successfully managing players like Solomon, Sam Byram, Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk back from injury in recent seasons. It is understandable that with Calvert-Lewin's quality, ability and experience, on a free transfer he could prove to be a canny piece of business.

Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha, Joel Piroe and homegrown Harry Gray constitute Farke's firepower and although he is open to further options up front he did admit that he was cautious of having too many strikers. He said: "I'm not a believer having six or seven (strikers) in the squad. I wouldn't rule out another striker... but right now the focus is on other positions."

That is where Okafor comes in and also the search for another full-back with Leicester City's James Justin one of a few defenders in the club's sights.

The Foxes captain's former team-mate Jamie Vardy, who is without a club, has been suggested by some supporters as worth a punt by Leeds. But at 38 years of age and with the physicality United have typically been looking at in their recruits, the former England man does not fit the profile.

• Do you have a question about Leeds United? If so get in touch here

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

• Find out more here

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

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

After sampling a free drink in the Peacock, kindly paid for by returning player Jack Harrison, my nerves were a bit more settled than they were on Monday morning.

It was a bit emotional to see the players come out knowing we had another chance at Premier League success. I must say I did have to ask my dad why they were playing an anthem I've never heard of before we kicked a ball!

Nevertheless, a fantastic atmosphere at Elland Road, we never stopped and it was nice to hear Everton after 60 minutes! Special shout out the 'Woooo' song!

Showing pressure from the off, it was nice to see the team, and especially our new signings show passion against a well established Premier League team in Everton.

A debatable penalty but we deserved the three points. Moving forward to a very hard place to get any sort of points, against Arsenal, where I'm sure we will see the toughest of oppositions!

I can't forget to mention, it's a real shame that the traffic leaving Elland Road by car, has never changed. It was a hot topic that when we expand the ground, how do they expect people to get parked, and leave without waiting in traffic for at least an hour up Lowfields Road?

Unless they expect people to leave early every game, which is rubbish, there needs to be some serious talk on fan parking and travel.

To finally add, what a nice kit we have had designed for our away kit. Looking forward to seeing the lads play in it on Saturday!

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

It wouldn't be Leeds United without a bit of controversy to kick off the new Premier League campaign. A fired-up Elland Road, a disputed penalty and, in the end, a strong all-round performance saw the Whites edge past Everton in their opener.

Plenty for Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix to get stuck into on the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes Leeds United's win over Everton was hugely important with the international break on the horizon, along with games against Arsenal and Newcastle.

He told BBC Sport: "I'm not saying the board is thinking of making an early change or anything like that but if there are no points on the board three games in, you know what the clamour will be like, particularly around the Premier League and the fanbases, wanting changes and what have you.

"It was crucial for Daniel Farke to get those points on the board.

"Nine maybe ten wins will probably do it, to get one early on - superb.

"The momentum was there. It was like they felt they carried on from last season."

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds' summer signing Gabriel Gudmundsson was impressed by the "amazing" atmosphere at Elland Road on Monday as he made his Premier League debut in the victory over Everton.

Gudmundsson, who joined from Lille in July, acknowledged the fans will be key to their survival chances as their support helps to "push" them on.

"We have to have this atmosphere," the left-back said post-match. "It was amazing.

"It was so good and we need them to push us. It does make a difference.

"Obviously, you're focused on the game, but you know, hearing the crowd shouting and singing is really nice.

"It adds a small percentage - to work and run and fight even more, so they need to keep doing that.

"In the Premier League we're going to suffer, but we have to suffer together."

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Andy: A work in progress. A really good performance, perhaps deserving a slice of luck with the goal. Looked solid against a rather blunt Everton attack. Definitely needs a little more magic up front. But these are matches to take points from, Leeds must be on the right side of results in matches like this if they are to stay in the division.

Robert: We were a little fortunate with the penalty but we will be "unfortunate" many more times as the season progresses. Better team won. Period. Onwards & upwards!

Gary: As a Leeds fan I think it was harsh but I will take it. I'm sure over the course of the season we will have decisions go against us.

Mark: A solid performance particularly in the first half. Lacked some quality in the final third which is what needs to be sorted in the next few weeks.

Paul: It was a decent performance, particularly in the first half. Both teams struggled to create much and it wasn't always the best of quality but we proved that we can compete and this will build confidence.

Everton fans

Glenn: Poor performance and a terrible penalty decision shouldn't hide that fact. Everton are notoriously slow starters and only one new face in the starting 11 shows the transfer window has been poor so far. Beto has been awful in pre-season and our new striker Thierno Barry should've started. A makeshift back four, no right-winger, no right-back, it's hard for Moyes to establish any kind of playing style. Lots to do before the window closes.

John: A poor performance, definitely second best. But battled hard and an awful penalty decision.

Graham: Poor display. Too many backwards passes. No intent to go forward. Obviously terrible penalty decision. Need more quality signed up ASAP!

Dave: Awful display, but it's not time to panic. Moyes' teams always start slow and this one still has some incomings to sort out and major defensive injury issues. We'll grow into the season and have a strong second half to finish top half I think. Also, never a pen.

Magnus: Never a penalty. We were lucky to be in the game after first half but unlucky not to get anything from the game after our second-half performance. We can do better and with signing of players for the right side of the pitch we can challenge for Europe.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Elland Road

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke stated before kick-off that his side would stick to the attacking principles that took them back into the top flight - and he was true to his word.

They pinned Everton back in a state of panic throughout the first half, but could not find the breakthrough, with only one of their 12 shots on target.

Leeds' concern at half-time was that they would not be able to maintain the sheer intensity after the break, fuelled by adrenalin in a supercharged Elland Road environment.

It looked like all their endeavours would only be rewarded with a point - until James Tarkowski's late handball, a penalty correctly awarded after a video assistant referee check.

Leeds survived an anxious seven minutes of stoppage time without any serious alarms for debutant goalkeeper Lucas Perri, the famous old stadium shaking when referee Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle.

It was a night that proved, if proof were needed, that Elland Road and its hostile environment will be a key factor in Leeds United's campaign to stay in the Premier League.

Did you know?

• Leeds kept a clean sheet in their opening game of a league campaign for the first time in 13 seasons, since a 1-0 victory over Wolves in August 2012 in the Championship.

Leeds United kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road.

Whites boss Daniel Farke told BBC Sport "it was a really magic night" and a "top performance" from his side.

"We are happy and grateful we are allowed to present our supporters, who had to suffer a lot over the years," he said. "It was special and a really good day for us.

"We were dominant in the first first half and had 12 shots. That is outstanding for a newly promoted side.

"I was bit worried because we were so dominant and normally you score. It can be costly when you don't take your opportunities. Lukas Nmencha took his opportunity. It was hard fought."

On the penalty: "I haven't seen it back on telly. During the game, I got the feeling it was a penalty. There was an emotional influence by the roar of the home crowd.

"I was a bit worried as the check was so long, but if the check takes that long then surely you can't overturn it.

"I haven't seen it back so I can't judge it. I hope the referee was right."

On Nmecha taking the penalty: "I was a bit worried because I don't like a player who is just in the game to take them, but he is such a good penalty taker. I didn't want to stop him.

"Calm yourself down and he will do the job. He has suffered a bit in the past years, but he came up with the decisive goal.

"A good start is always crucial. The first win out of the way and the first clean sheet. We have to carry on and win many more points.

• Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Nmecha became the first Leeds substitute to score on his Premier League debut since Alan Smith in November 1998, while he is the first player to score a penalty on his debut for the club in the competition.

Leeds are close to reaching an agreement with AC Milan for Switzerland forward Noah Okafor, 25, with the fee set to be in the region of £17.2m (20m euros). (Florian Plettenberg, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Everton's display?

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

Daniel Farke has given goalkeeper, Lucas Perri his debut in the opening game at Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff starts from the bench alongside Jack Harrison, who was on loan at Everton last season

Leeds starting XI: Perri, Rodon, Struijk, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, James, Gnonto, Piroe.

Substitutes: Darlow, Byram, Longstaff, Aaronson, Harrison, Ramazani, Nmecha, Bornauw and Gruev.

Jack Grealish starts tonight's game from the bench, whilst Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is named in the starting 11.

Everton starting XI: Pickford, Keane, Tarkowski, Beto, Ndiaye, O'Brien, Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz, Gueye, Garner, Iroegbunam.

Substitutes: Travers, Tyrer, McNeil, Barry, Chermiti, Grealish, Coleman, Armstrong, Onyango.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United defender Jayden Bogle says he has "massively" missed the Elland Road crowd this summer and has been "watching videos of last season" to fill the void, as the newly promoted side gear up to face Everton in their season-opener.

However, manager Daniel Farke says a "late decision" will need to be made on Bogle's fitness as he continues to recover from a hip flexor injury.

Bogle said: "I have missed them massively. Sometimes you find yourself watching videos of last season and building up the excitement to get back to it."

When asked about the difference between the Championship and the Premier League, having previously played for Sheffield United in the top flight, Bogle explained: "The quality of players you're coming up against. Obviously it is the best league in the world, so it is a lot tougher.

"Then you have the intensity and the different styles of play. They are the two main things."

Bogle, 25, also praised Farke for being a "good influence on and off the pitch", adding: "He gave me the freedom to create and get involved going forward last season, but he also made sure I understood that I'm a defender first and that is my main job.

"His style of play is attacking and exciting football, so of course he will still let me get forward, but this is obviously a different league so there will be times when I can't do that. Pre-season has been good for practising and understanding these things.

"Off the pitch, he has taught me about being a leader, As I get older, that's something I want to keep building on as well."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has admitted there is still work to be done before the transfer window shuts on 1 September.

Leeds United face Everton on Monday night in their opening Premier League fixture after being promoted last season. Newly promoted Sunderland started their campaign off with a promising 3-0 victory over West Ham, whereas Burnley suffered a 3-0 loss to Spurs.

Leeds, who topped the Championship table, will be hoping to follow in Sunderland's footsteps - but it looks like, regardless of Monday's result, there is still more business for the club to conduct in the current window.

Writing in the matchday programme for the fixture against Everton, Farke said: "Overall I'm really happy with the recruitment we have made to date.

"I feel we have a really solid base and the new signings have really integrated well into the group and strengthened us.

"We know there is still more to be done and we certainly won't fall asleep in the market."

The club have already brought in eight new players this summer, spending over £70m.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke is a very underrated manager and his teams always carry a threat, but it is their defence I'm worried about this season.

They will have a real go at Everton under the floodlights and Elland Road is going to be rocking, so this is a tough opening for the Toffees.

I feel sorry for Everton boss David Moyes because he overachieved so much when he took over in January.

That has increased expectation for this season but, although they have managed to bring in Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry, Moyes has not been able to strengthen his squad in the way he wanted.

One of the players who left Everton this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, officially joined Leeds last week.

We know there is a talent in there, he has just had so many injuries. If Calvert-Lewin is able to play, it would not surprise me at all if he scores and gets his new team a point against his old one - wouldn't that be typical?

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked two Leeds United players who will be worth watching out for in the next few months.

Joel Piroe

Age: 26 Position: Striker Country: Netherlands

Guy Mowbray: The very definition of a wildcard, given that he can look like he can do it all AND the total opposite - sometimes within the same game.

I've got a feeling Leeds will have brought in a new striker to start ahead of him before the big kick-off, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him come on as an impact sub to get them a point or two early in the season.

Jaka Bijol

Age: 26 Position: Centre-back Country: Slovenia

Conor McNamara: Leeds' new centre-back from Udinese is a very interesting signing. I've been wondering for a few years now why a Champions League club has not snapped him up.

His one failing seems to be a tendency to mis-time lunging tackles, something he will need to get right in the cut and thrust of the Premier League, but otherwise he appears to have all the attributes - very strong in the air, mobile, and able to ping an accurate long-range pass.

I commentated on several of his games for Slovenia at last summer's Euros in Germany, and he did really well in games against strikers such as Harry Kane, Rasmus Hojlund, Alexander Mitrovic, and Cristiano Ronaldo - none of them scored in their games against Bijol during the tournament.

Read about more players to watch here

Matthew Hobbs - BBC Sport Journalist

Leeds United return to the Premier League for the first time in three years to take on an Everton side hoping to kick on after an impressive end to last season following the return of David Moyes. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes ahead of the opener.

Can Leeds play the same attacking football in Premier League?

Leeds begin the Premier League campaign facing the perennial challenge of a promoted club – will the style of play that earned them promotion from the Championship sustain their challenge in the Premier League?

Daniel Farke's side were attacking and aggressive in the second tier in 2024-25, scoring more goals than any other club.

They also boasted the most possession and were the most effective at pressing opponents high up the pitch, while only Burnley, with the boon of Manchester City signing James Trafford, kept more clean sheets.

Leeds gamble on Calvert-Lewin and Everton lose Branthwaite

Despite Leeds' success last season, Farke has spoken of the need for more Premier League quality in his squad. Everton fans may have afforded themselves a wry smile when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was announced as the Elland Road club's eighth summer signing earlier this week as a free agent, after turning down a contract extension with the Toffees.

The 28-year-old had reportedly been pushing for a move to Manchester United before sacking his agent and his signing is a fascinating one for Leeds.

The injury-plagued Patrick Bamford failed to start a Championship match last season, making 17 appearances as a substitute, and in Calvert-Lewin Leeds have recruited a similar profile of player with a similarly questionable fitness record.

He missed three months of last season and has not scored more than seven Premier League goals in any of the past four campaigns.

Statistically, Calvert-Lewin can be considered the worst finisher of any forward in the top flight. Since the start of 2022-23, he has scored just 12 goals in total from an xG of 25.7 – the biggest under performance of any player during this period (-13.7). Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is second on this list at -8.5.

However, the fact Calvert-Lewin was offered a new deal by Everton shows he retains value as an effective lone target man and he is capable of occupying defenders – particularly with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite injured.

The Toffees have won just three of 13 Premier League fixtures (D3, L7) without Branthwaite starting since his debut in 2022-23.

Farke, though, must find a new way in the Premier League. Even if Leeds beat Everton on Monday night in his 50th match in the competition, he would have the lowest win rate of any manager to reach this milestone.

He has won only six of 49 so far.

Will Grealish make Everton debut?

Leeds may also have to contend with Everton's own new attacking threat should loanee Jack Grealish start.

The Blues' sixth summer signing is a marquee one following long-term discussions with Manchester City and such was Jordan Pickford's desire to help get the deal over the line, he was calling his England team-mate from the golf course to check if the move had gone through.

Indeed, Match of the Day commentator Jonathan Pearce picked Grealish as one of his players to watch this campaign. "He remains one of the gifted players and most intriguing personalities in a game that needs characters. It's unfathomable how badly his career stalled at Manchester City," Pearce told BBC Sport.

"But in David Moyes, he has a manager who will believe in his mercurial talents and Everton fans love a crowd pleaser. Whether he plays off the left or in the number 10 role, I believe he'll relish the chance to reignite his career in this loan spell and win his England place back."

Everton's biggest issue last season was scoring goals from open play – they managed just 25 in the Premier League in 2024-25, ranking them 18th of all clubs. Only relegated Southampton and Leicester City scored fewer.

Creativity could also be increased by the £24m signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, while Everton have also paid Villarreal £27.5m for Thierno Barry.

The 6ft 5in striker was in an elite group of players aged under 23 to score 10 or more goals in Europe's top five leagues last season, sitting alongside the likes of new Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko, Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds winger Dan James says the players know it will be a "massive challenge" to stay in the Premier League this season, but is hopeful their "unity" will keep them up.

After a two-year absence, the Whites make their return to the top flight on Monday when they host Everton.

"It's massive because it's the best league in the world. The money spent in the Premier League is unbelievable, and the competition is only getting better every year," James said.

"You look at the past two seasons and the same teams that have gone up have come down. We've just got to believe in ourselves going into every game because it's going be tough.

"We've got the past two years of that unity we have as a team and [we must] take it into the Premier League.

"It is going to be tough and it's going to be be a challenge, but it's one we're all excited for."

Fresh from signing a new contract with the club on Thursday, James will be hoping he can use his form from last term and Premier League experience to help the side this time.

"We want to establish ourselves as a Premier League team," he added.

"I want to contribute to the team as much as I can. I like to hold myself accountable, rather than other people doing it."

We have looked into the age profile of Leeds' players for the 2025-26 season and recorded what percentage of minutes each of them played last campaign.

For the purpose of this exercise, we have deemed those under 24 as youth, between 24 and 30 as in their peak years and anyone over 30 to be a veteran.

The green represents new signings, who naturally did not play, red are those that have since left the club and yellow are all those that remain.

The data shows the Whites have pursued experienced players at a 'peak' age for the new campaign, limiting the chance of young recruits being overawed by the Premier League.

A healthy number of Leeds players featured in over 50% of minutes last season, as seen by how many are in the top half of the chart. That robust quality in the Championship is admirable given the relentless nature of the league and should, in theory, mean they again have a reliable group to call upon this term.