Leeds United’s pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season have been planned to ensure a strong return to the top flight after securing the Championship title with 100 points.
Under Daniel Farke’s guidance, the squad began pre-season training at Thorp Arch in early July, integrating new signings like Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Lucas Perri. The team embarked on a rigorous schedule, starting with a high-profile friendly against Manchester United in Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena on July 19, which ended in a 0-0 draw. A training camp in Germany followed, though matches there were held behind closed doors due to local authority restrictions.
Back at Elland Road, Leeds faced Villarreal on August 2, resulting in a 1-1 draw, with Joel Piroe scoring. The pre-season concludes with a clash against AC Milan in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on August 9.
🤫 @joelmrpiroe pic.twitter.com/ogJTwxOhSS
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 4, 2025
Piroe Premier League Ready?
If Leeds United are to ensure Premier League survival, they will need a consistent goalscorer at the top end of the pitch. With it looking likely Joel Piroe will start the season as the club's first choice striker, the pressure will be on the Dutchman to perform.
Daniel Farke had his say when asked if Piroe is ready to step up to the level required in the Premier League. Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said "It's up to him to prove that he's capable to have a big impact on this level. He has not played so far on this level. It would be a lie if I could give you some guarantees, it's always up to the player.
One thing that impressed the Leeds United manager was the shape Piroe returned in at the start of pre-season. "So he came back - this was important - in a good fitness shape, really good endurance and he has worked hard during the summer break. He's had a really good pre-season so far and has already proved in the games against Man United and Villarreal, two opponents on a top level, that he is competitive. He has to show this in this league. Friendlies are friendlies, he has to show this when the real competitive games start."
