2025 has the potential to be a huge year for Leeds United if they can get it right on the pitch.
Leeds head into the New Year in the midst of another automatic promotion battle but simply cannot afford to get it wrong this time around.
49ers Enterprises have some big ambitions for the years ahead at Elland Road and they can only be achieved if Leeds return to the Premier League.
The potential of the club is almost endless if that can be achieved. That said, regardless of what happens, 2025 looks set to be another intriguing year.
With that in mind, here are three bold Leeds predictions we believe could happen in 2025.
Daniel Farke leaves role as Leeds manager
Despite the noise surrounding Leeds’ away record and style of play, there is no better man for the job at right now than Daniel Farke.
However, if Farke was to fail for a second successive season then that would make his position untenable and the 49ers would have no choice but to let him go.
The bold prediction here, though, is that Farke will not be at Leeds this time next year even if promotion is achieved during the first half of 2025.
It is getting tougher and tougher for clubs coming up from the Championship to preserve their top-flight status and if there is any sign of struggle from Leeds, a bit like Leicester City with Steve Cooper, the 49ers won’t waste any time.
Leeds know all too well what can happen when a poorly performing manager is kept for too long in the Premier League. Andrea Radrizzani admitted Jesse Marsch should’ve been sacked sooner, a hesitation that ultimately proved costly.
Leeds sign Emi Buendia
Leeds tried to sign Emi Buendia during the summer but were told no by both player and Aston Villa.
Buendia was, understandably, reluctant to drop into the Championship considering how well he has done at this level before, but has barely played for Villa at all this season.
Leeds still need a number 10 in January and it certainly would be worth trying again on an initial loan that would become permanent upon promotion.
However, even if Leeds do not manage to sign him next month, it is still possible he could be wearing white this time next year anyway.
Buendia is clearly a Premier League player and so if Leeds do go up, there is no doubt Farke will still be keen on a reunion with his former Norwich City star, something he would more likely be receptive to.
Leeds sell Illan Meslier and sign new number one
Goalkeeper is a position that has been in need of an upgrade ever since Sam Allardyce dropped Illan Meslier to the bench towards the end of the 2022/23 season.
However, Farke has continued to back Meslier during his 18 months at the club, a decision which continues to puzzle considering some of the mistakes he has made.
Regardless of the division Leeds are in come August, they cannot afford to head into another campaign with Meslier as first choice, which he has now been for five years.
Rennes are reportedly keen on Meslier and the summer represents the best time to part ways as he would have just one year remaining on his deal.
If Leeds achieve promotion, someone like Liverpool’s second choice Caoimhin Kelleher could be a top quality replacement.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
