Could Leeds United Be European Contenders This Season?

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Anton Stach of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s winning goal with teammates during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Nottingham Forest FC and Leeds United at City Ground on August 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Getty Images

It took until the 88th minute for Anton Stach to score the goal that gave Leeds United a victory on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but there had been hints of Daniel Farke’s team’s quality before then. Indeed, there is a sense at Elland Road that Leeds could be in for a successful 2026/27 campaign.

Last season, the Elland Road outfit consolidated its place in the Premier League after earning promotion from the Championship. This season, the hope is that Leeds will push itself up the table and Saturday’s away win over Forest suggests Farke’s side could be contenders for European qualification.

“We know our targets and goals,” Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu said after the 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at City Ground. “We want to be a Premier League club next season. We want to achieve that target and then get to a better place. Once that can be achieved, we think of everything else.”

Leeds has spent the best part of €100m in the summer transfer window. James Trafford arrived from Manchester City to be Farke’s new first-choice goalkeeper and the England international has settled in quickly in his new surroundings. Trafford is a big upgrade on Leeds United’s previous goalkeeping options.

Harry Wilson was signed as a free agent after leaving Fulham, but the Wales international’s capture was still a coup for Leeds. Wilson contributed 17 goals and assists for Fulham in the Premier League last season and has immediately improved his new team as a creative and attacking outfit.

Tarik Muharemovic was another statement signing with the Bosnian arriving from Sassuolo for a transfer fee of roughly €40m. Muharemovic started on the left side of Leeds’ back three against Nottingham Forest and did an excellent job of keeping the opposition at arm’s length for the duration of the match.

Last week, Leeds United also completed the signing of Nico Elvedi following a World Cup in which the 29-year-old caught the eye for Switzerland. It’s not clear where Elvedi will fit into Farke’s side, but his quality and experience will bolster Leeds United’s squad over the course of the season.

European qualification might be beyond Leeds. The club doesn’t have the budget of some of its closest rivals in the Premier League, but Farke and his players have established a platform to build on. Victory on the opening weekend has opened a debate over what is realistic for the Elland Road outfit this season.