Leeds United is at a crossroads as they celebrate their return to the Premier League while simultaneously contemplating the future of manager Daniel Farke. The German coach, who has a history of guiding teams to promotion, achieved this feat once again on April 21, 2025, when his squad thrashed Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road. This emphatic win, coupled with Burnley’s victory over Sheffield United, confirmed Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight, marking a significant moment for the club and its supporters.
Despite this success, Farke’s position remains precarious. Reports indicate that the club’s ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, is weighing the decision to retain him as they assess whether he is the right man to lead them in the Premier League next season. This uncertainty comes even as Leeds sits atop the Championship table with 94 points, just two games away from potentially clinching the title.
Farke, who has two years left on his contract following his appointment in 2023, has a mixed record in the Premier League. While he has proven to be a reliable manager in the Championship, securing promotions twice with Norwich City, his time in the top flight has been less successful. In 49 Premier League matches with the Canaries, he won only six times, which translates to a dismal win rate of just 12%. His tenure at Norwich ended in November 2021 after the team managed only five points from 11 games, leading to their relegation after finishing bottom with just 21 points in the 2019/20 season.
Leeds United’s hierarchy is reportedly concerned about Farke’s ability to replicate his Championship success in the Premier League. The club is also mindful of the backlash that could arise from supporters if they were to dismiss a manager who has just led them back to the top tier. Farke has faced criticism from some fans regarding his tactical approach and his decision to drop goalkeeper Illan Meslier during the crucial final push of the season, which has added to the scrutiny surrounding his future.
In the wake of Leeds’ promotion, conversations about Farke’s future have intensified. While the club has not made a final decision, they are quietly exploring alternative candidates, including former assistant manager Carlos Corberan, who has had success with Huddersfield and West Brom. Other names linked to the managerial position include Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira, as well as the high-profile José Mourinho.
Farke’s record in the Championship, however, cannot be overlooked. Across his three full campaigns in the league, he has accumulated points totals of 94, 97, and 90, showcasing his ability to guide teams to success in a competitive environment. After leading Leeds to the Championship play-off final last season, where they narrowly lost to Southampton, Farke has now achieved a remarkable hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.
Following the decisive victory over Stoke, Farke expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "To deliver such an emphatic performance is really amazing and all the credit goes to the boys for the way they have handled the situation and the spirit they have shown in recent weeks." His comments reflect the joy and relief felt by the players and fans alike as they celebrated their return to the Premier League.
However, the club's leadership is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Leeds must strengthen their squad while adhering to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which could necessitate player sales to raise funds for reinvestment. Plans are also in place to expand Elland Road, but expenditures on infrastructure are exempt from the league’s financial regulations.
As the season draws to a close, Leeds United remains in a unique position. They could potentially reach the 100-point mark if they win their final two matches, further solidifying their status as one of the Championship’s top teams. Yet, the looming question of Farke’s future casts a shadow over this achievement. The club’s owners are reportedly hesitant to make a decision unless they are confident in finding a suitable replacement, understanding that any move to relieve Farke of his duties could be divisive among the fanbase.
Ultimately, the coming weeks will be crucial for both Farke and Leeds United. As they prepare for life back in the Premier League, the decisions made now could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come. With fans rallying behind Farke during the promotion celebrations, the hope is that he can translate his Championship success into a more fruitful Premier League campaign.
In summary, while Leeds United revels in their return to the Premier League, the fate of Daniel Farke hangs in the balance. His ability to secure the club’s future in the top flight will depend on how well he can address the concerns of the ownership and the supporters alike, making the upcoming decisions critical for the club’s ambitions.
