Following a two-season absence, Leeds United's return to the Premier League kicks off on Monday night as they welcome Everton to West Yorkshire.
- Date: 19/08/2025
- Kick-off: 8:00pm
- Location: Elland Road, Leeds
Leeds come into the Premier League as the reigning Championship title winners on the back of a 100-point season. The Peacocks were by far and away the best side in the division last season, but while there's optimism surrounding the club's prospects this season, this summer's preparation hasn't gone completely to plan.
Some quality additions to the squad have been made, most notably goalkeeper Lucas Perri, defender Jaka Bijol, and midfielder Anton Stach, but there's been a glaring lack of top quality signings in the forward areas. Leeds have reportedly spent the summer pursuing a futile chase of Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, who seems to have set his ambitions slightly higher, and the team now sits on the eve of the new season with a forward line that's no stronger than last season's. Daniel Farke has vocally expressed his frustations around this issue, and it's something he'll firmly expect to be resolved before next month's deadline.
Survival for Leeds is unlikely unless they add more goals to this team, and despite the fact their options in midfield and defence are promising, the lack of difference makers in attack risks holding them back from reaching their true potential.
Everton, conversely, come into this season having made significant additions to their squad. Striker Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal for around £27m, while midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been brought in for a similar fee. Promising defender Adam Aznou has also been signed from Bayern Munich, while arguably their most notable signing sees Jack Grealish arrive on a season long loan from Manchester City. There are obvious doubts surrounding the transfer of Grealish, but if Everton can get him fit and near his best, there are few players outside of the league's elite with more quality than the England international.
David Moyes was frank about the need for new signings and the club seem to be responding to his requests, and with that there'll be a heavy expectation on the experienced Scot to deliver. Everton's form last season was excellent following Moyes' mid-season return to the club, so as you can imagine, there's plenty of optimism in the Blue half of Liverpool about the team's potential ceiling this season.
