Could Leeds United Be European Contenders This Season?

BusinessSportsMoneyCould Leeds United Be European Contenders This Season?ByGraham Ruthven,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United KingdomFollow AuthorAug 24, 2026, 05:23am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.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 ImagesIt 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.Leeds United manager Daniel Farke celebrates a 0-1 win with traveling fans during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United at the City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty Images“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 Traffo...