Leeds United underwent a significant transformation over the summer, saying goodbye to key players such as Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville.
Despite these high-profile exits, the pressure on manager Daniel Farke to deliver promotion remains immense.
One prominent pundit believes the German manager has no choice but to secure The Whites’ return to the Premier League this season.
Although the club lost some of their most important players, Leeds have been busy in the transfer market. Over the summer, they made a number of signings aimed at bolstering their promotion hopes.
Notable arrivals include Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, and Largie Ramazani, all of whom were brought in to add strength and depth to the squad.
While it may take time for these new additions to settle in, Leeds are still expected to challenge for one of the two automatic promotion places.
Daniel Farke’s task is clear: get Leeds back into the Premier League.
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes Farke faces considerable pressure to deliver. Despite falling short in the Championship play-off final last season, where they lost to Southampton, Leeds’ ownership decided to back Farke for another season at Elland Road, placing their trust in his ability to secure promotion.
“From Farke’s point of view, the pressure’s on; have to get promoted,” Prutton said on the Essential EFL podcast (h/t MOT Leeds News).
“Again, [it’s] quite cut and dry but that’s what Leeds are in the Championship. Early signs are looking good.”
Prutton isn’t alone in thinking it’s promotion or bust for Leeds. Former Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday forward Clinton Morrison shares the sentiment, stating that Farke must lead his team to promotion this season.
“It’s definitely promotion or bust for Daniel Farke at Leeds United this season; One hundred percent,” Morrison said.
“He’s been appointed to get the club back in the Premier League. That’s what he needs to do this season, especially after the way Leeds lost the play-off final last season.
“Leeds didn’t turn up in that final, and I think having that as their route into the league was a massive blow for them because they would have been expecting to finish first or second.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Farke to see if he can handle the mounting pressure and lead Leeds back to the top flight. If he falters, the club could face a third consecutive season in the Championship, a scenario that would be seen as a failure by many supporters.