AI predicts Leeds’ 2025/26 starting line-up

Leeds United are looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2025/26 after a memorable title-winning Championship campaign.

Daniel Farke will be backed by the 49ers Enterprises in the transfer market, with Jaka Bijol the first marquee signing of the window after forward Lukas Nmecha joined on a free transfer.

Bijol cost Leeds around £15m from Udinese and penned a five-year deal at Elland Road, and it’s no secret that the club want more additions before their top-flight opener at home to Everton on August 18.

AI has actually predicted Leeds to avoid relegation this season, and Grok has now forecasted how the Whites will line up in 2025/26, changing from a 4-3-2-1 system to a 4-3-3.

AI predicts Leeds United’s 2025/26 starting line-up

1

GK: Nick Pope

With the future of Illan Meslier up in the air, Leeds are on the search for a new first-choice goalkeeper and have been linked with Newcastle United’s Nick Pope.

The England international has plenty of Premier League experience and, although he may cost a big fee, Grok says most importantly, Pope will offer ‘reliability’ at Elland Road.

2

RB: Jayden Bogle

In what was a brilliant first season, Jayden Bogle has been backed to keep his spot as Leeds’ main right-back.

Costing just £5m from Sheffield United, Bogle has proven to be a shrewd signing and is viewed as the ‘long-term fit for the right-back role’.

3

CB: Jaka Bijol

New signing Jaka Bijol is predicted to start ahead of Pascal Struijk in defence, something which may not come as a shock after Leeds’ swoop.

The Slovenia international ‘brings aerial strength and composure, ideal for the Premier League’s physical demands’, according to Grok.

4

CB: Joe Rodon

A key man under Farke, Joe Rodon is tipped to partner Bijol in central defence, with the Wales international missing just three league games in the last two seasons.

His ‘leadership and familiarity with Farke’s system ensure he remains a starter alongside Bijol’, with Rodon under contract until 2028.

5

LB: Kostas Tsimikas

After helping Leeds to the Championship title, Junior Firpo is on course to leave the Whites at the end of the month on a free transfer.

A new left-back will be required to fill the void and Grok has predicted Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas to be that man. Linked with a move to Yorkshire, Tsmikas fits the bill of 49ers targeting players with Premier League experience.

6

CM: Ethan Ampadu

Club captain Ethan Ampadu played more games as a centre-back than he did as a midfielder in 24/25, but he has been predicted to return to his holding midfield role.

Grok says ‘Ampadu’s versatility and defensive nous make him a mainstay in midfield’ under Farke.

7

CM: Anton Stach

With Leeds targeting physicality this summer, Anton Stach is being linked with a move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The Whites have missed out on Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to Sunderland, but Stach is seen as the midfield ‘specialist’ Farke and the 49ers are after.

8

CM: Ao Tanaka

Arguably Leeds’ signing of the season last year was Ao Tanaka, who looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

The Japan international has even been hailed by Declan Rice for his displays in England, and he could lock horns with the Gunners star in Leeds’ second league game.

9

RW: Daniel James

One of Farke’s most important attackers in the Championship has been Daniel James, who was named Leeds’ Player of the Season for 24/25.

The Wales star is also close to a new Elland Road contract, so should keep his place on the right hand side.

10

LW: Wilfried Gnonto

With Manor Solomon potentially staying put at Tottenham, the door is open for Wilfried Gnonto to make the left wing spot his own.

The Italian initially impressed in the Premier League after joining back in 2022, and he could be given the chance to feature heavily this time around under Farke.