Daniel Farke has urged Leeds United to remain grounded after suggestions the club could challenge for European qualification this season, insisting the Whites must continue building step by step.
Leeds enjoyed an impressive return to the Premier League last season, finishing 14th after comfortably avoiding relegation. The club has strengthened its squad this summer and is expected to make further additions before the transfer window closes, but Farke is refusing to look too far ahead.
Farke outlines long-term plan
Speaking on the Men In Blazers podcast, the Leeds head coach dismissed the idea of immediately competing with the Premier League's elite.
"We can't overtake clubs like Man City and Arsenal in just a few years with individual quality."
Instead, Farke believes Leeds should first establish themselves in the top half of the table before setting their sights on European football.
"We have to go year to year. First focus on the top half, then one day Europe."
"You have to have a clear vision of where you're heading."
His comments came after CBS Sports analyst Michael Lahoud predicted Leeds could finish eighth and qualify for Europe this season.
Transfer business continues
Leeds have already strengthened their squad by signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer before completing a £34 million move for defender Tarik Muharemović from Sassuolo.
The club are also closing in on a deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, while further additions remain a priority before the transfer deadline.
Leeds are expected to target another goalkeeper if Lucas Perri leaves Elland Road, while reinforcements in attacking midfield, up front and at left-back are also under consideration following Gabriel Gudmundsson's injury.
Key Points
- Daniel Farke has downplayed talk of Leeds qualifying for Europe.
- The Leeds boss says the immediate goal is a top-half Premier League finish.
- Leeds finished 14th in their first season back in the top flight.
- James Trafford is expected to become the club's next signing.
- Further additions are planned before the transfer window closes.
What's next?
Leeds are expected to continue strengthening the squad in the coming weeks as they prepare for the new Premier League season. While European qualification remains a long-term ambition, Farke's immediate priority is establishing the club as a consistent top-half side.
2 Comments (last comment by Philip Dodsworth)
First read message
By Philip Dodsworth 6 Aug 2026 07:53
Agreed. Slowly improving over 3 years then the lower tiers of European football, improving year in, i remember the Rissdale era, boom and bust, let’s not repeat that.
By Adem Ozcan 6 Aug 2026 08:13
That's a fair point. The Ridsdale years showed what can happen when ambition gets ahead of itself. Farke's comments were pretty much the opposite - top half first, then see where the club can go over the next few years.
By JamesLove 6 Aug 2026 07:41
Show some ambition
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