Leeds United have a few months ahead of them, with the club entering the closing stages of the 2025/26 campaign after an extended international break.
Daniel Farke’s side have their Premier League survival hopes in their hands, with the Whites currently sitting four points above the dotted line.
However, if the club is to strengthen its chances for another season of top-flight football, the manager desperately needs to resolve some of the issues within the top ranks.
The team have now failed to score in each of their last four league games, making the Whites now unbeaten in their last six games.
Many players have consistently failed to deliver during the final third of the term, and Farke desperately needed to avoid picking them during the latter stages of the season.
Why Aaronson and Piroe shouldn’t play for Leeds again
In the 2025/26 campaign, Leeds boss Farke has been using Brenden Aaronson in a number ten role behind the striker, but the 25-year-old has struggled in recent months.
The American international has played in all but one of the league games this season, but has been completely unconvincing in recent weeks at Elland Road.
Having now failed to register a single goal or assist in any of his last 12 appearances for the Whites, the midfielder will now go three months without scoring.
It is clear that he is not at the level required to succeed in the Premier League, as the same is said of striker Joel Piroe – who is finding it difficult to fit into the manager’s plans.
The 26-year-old, who was the Championship’s top scorer last season, has started just two league games this season – though he has failed to find the net in England’s top flight.
The Surinamese international has had chances to score in the cup competitions, but has also failed to capitalize on those performances – even missing a penalty against Derby County at Pride Park.
A Leeds player who should never play again under Farke
After being promoted to the Premier League last season, the first year back in the top flight was going to be a campaign of getting used to the demands of the division again.
Farke has spent more than £90m to get the squad ready for the league’s demands, highlighting the need to improve the squad to have any chance of survival.
The most expensive price for Leeds United
Looking at the record departure at Elland Road.
The change in structure from a four-player system to a three-player system also pushed many players down and out of the manager’s thinking for a short time.
Wilfried Gnonto is one of the attackers who has struggled to cement his place in the starting XI, having started in four league games so far.
Jack Harrison rejoined the senior ranks in the summer after spending last season on loan at Everton – a decision that was unpopular with fans.
The 29-year-old disappointed on his return to action in pre-season, but Farke decided to include him in his Premier League squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
He will make 11 appearances for the Whites until January, only one of which will come in a starting role – covering just 263 minutes in the league.
The winger’s appearance at the top of the league will face relegated rivals Nottingham Forest, after which he was brought on with just eight minutes to go.
Harrison would have a cameo to forget as he brought down Omari Hutchinson on the wing in the penalty area, allowing the hosts to win 3-1 at the City Ground.
He was sent out on loan to Italian side Fiorentina for the remainder of the campaign, which should complete his career at Leeds in Yorkshire.
The striker has made just eight appearances since joining the Serie A side in the winter, and has failed to make the switch despite restarting in Europe.
Given his struggles at Leeds and Fiorentina, the Whites are in dire need of a move this summer – especially given his huge salary at Elland Road.
|
Leeds United top earners (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Weekly salary |
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
£100,000 |
|
Jack Harrison |
£90,000 |
|
Sean Longstaff |
£80,000 |
|
Daniel James |
£75,000 |
|
Noah Okafor |
£72,500 |
|
Pascal Struijk |
£50,000 |
|
Lucas Perry |
£50,000 |
Harrison currently earns a staggering £90k-a-week – the second highest of any player at the club – with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin earning more.
The summer will present another opportunity for officials to back Farke and potentially build on the club’s defense of their run in the top flight at the end of the season.
However, the outgoings will be just as important as the incomings, with Harrison, Piroe and Aaronson all desperately needing to be moved for additional funds.
Farke can forget Gnonto by releasing Leeds’ new Crysencio Summerville
Doubts have arisen over Gnonto’s future at Leeds.
