Leeds United face a pivotal summer as they chart their course for 2025/26. After a turbulent window last year saw the exits of Rutter, Summerville and Gray, the hierarchy have been busy reshaping the club both on and off the pitch.
The arrival of Daniel Farke has injected fresh optimism, but critical choices remain. From recruitment strategy to contract renewals, every move will be under intense scrutiny as the club aims to mend fences with the fans and mount a genuine push for European football.
Farke’s Vision Puts Europe in Sight
Having steadied the ship, Farke’s remit now extends to ambitious European targets. His style of play and man-management have won plaudits, but translating that into consistent Premier League finishes requires backing in the transfer market.
While reports suggest a hefty summer budget, my view is Leeds must spend shrewdly rather than splurging. A handful of quality signings combined with promotions from the academy should be enough to bolster the squad without breaking the bank.
Shocking Exit: Angus Kinnear Departs Leeds United
In an unexpected twist, long-serving director Angus Kinnear has officially left Leeds United, confirmed via Companies House filings. After years at the club’s strategic core, he is set to join Everton, leaving a void at Elland Road.
This departure raises more questions than answers. Kinnear was a trusted lieutenant to Nick Hammond and later Paraag Marathe, steering recruitment and commercial operations with a steady hand. His exit could trigger a domino effect, with other key figures potentially tempted away.
Editorial insight: Losing Kinnear is a blow to continuity. Leeds must act fast to plug the gap and prevent a talent drain. If they fail to replace him with someone of equal stature, this summer’s planning risks unraveling before it even begins.
Streamlining the Back Office: Inside Leeds’ Restructuring
The club’s recent internal shake-up has seen several promotions rather than expensive external hires. Robbie Evans now oversees recruitment and analytics as Managing Director, while Adam Underwood steps up as Sporting Director after a decade at the club.
Other shifts include Morrie Eisenberg’s move to Chief Business Officer and Fay Greer’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer. These changes underline a drive for cohesion, but they also mean that inexperienced hands are taking on bigger responsibilities.
From my perspective, this streamlined structure makes sense if Leeds maintain clarity in their roles. However, with fresh challenges on and off the field, the new leadership team must hit the ground running to ensure unity of purpose ahead of the transfer window.
