There are many positives to take from Daniel Farke’s two-and-a-bit-year tenure at Leeds United. A record season in terms of points won, in the club’s history, for example.
The record might be a bit distorted because Leeds had 46 attempts to win points last season, but it is the first time that Leeds have ever recorded 100 points in a season. Farke has got Leeds back into the top tier.
But the biggest and most important positive of the German’s tenure at Elland Road has been his work in the window. Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, and Joe Rodon all signed before the 2025 summer.
In the summer, the risk of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is paying off, Noah Okafor has two goals in four starts, Gabriel Gudmundsson for £10m is inspired. Anton Stach is going to play a key role for Leeds this term.
Sean Longstaff voted the Premier League’s fifth-best signing
It took Leeds four bids to finally get Newcastle to accept a bid for Sean Longstaff, but Leeds and Farke will be delighted they persevered to get a deal over the line. Longstaff has started the last five league games.
Man of the match awards against Newcastle and Bournemouth have followed. While Longstaff was inches away from scoring an equaliser against Spurs. Anton Stach says Longstaff is already becoming a leader.
It was seen after Joe Rodon’s goal against Bournemouth, Longstaff calling in the players for a huddle. In the summer, The Athletic ranked Longstaff as the 94th best signing of the summer transfer window.
But in a new piece on Tuesday morning, The Athletic rated the Premier League’s 155 summer signings in terms of impact made and Longstaff is named as fifth. The uncapped midfielder rising a huge 89 places.
The Athletic highlight Longstaff’s set-piece ability and tackling this season: “Massively exceeded expectations and becoming the figurehead of Leeds’ side. Got a goal and an assist against Bournemouth.
“Has brought stability and dynamism in midfield, plus offers good set-piece deliveries and he suits Leeds’ physical approach. The second-best tackler in the league so far too with 15 won. Very good.”
Daniel Farke shares what Longstaff is like behind the scenes
He might be from Newcastle, but Longstaff is exactly the type of player that Leeds fans love. One they can get behind and connect with. Hard-working, determined, loves a tackle – twinned with undeniable quality.
Farke has said that Longstaff is a key voice in the dressing room: “It’s not about talking. A leader is what you do on the pitch and your behaviour. It is walking the walk. Win a tackle, duel. Sean leads by example.”
If Leeds stay up, Longstaff is going to play a massive role. But Leeds need more than just Longstaff to hit the ground running, they need Calvert-Lewin to start scoring and possibly Jaka Bijol to prove his worth.
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