Leeds United supporters have endured somewhat of a rollercoaster of emotions over the last five years, with numerous moments standing out, whether that be for the good, bad or the ugly.
From the promotion season of 2019/20 to the eventual relegation back to the Championship, it’s been a whirlwind that has given the fanbase memories to last a lifetime.
In 2025, Daniel Farke is the latest manager to write himself into the club’s rich history, aiming to secure promotion back to the top flight after a two-year absence.
Last season, the German fell at the final hurdle, losing in the play-off final against Southampton, but has managed to galvanise the squad this time around, sitting top of the table with 13 games remaining.
The 48-year-old will be aiming to replicate the success of one manager who adhered himself to the fanbase after the success he brought the club during his own tenure.
Marcelo Bielsa’s time as Leeds manager
Argentine Marcelo Bielsa took the reins in the summer of 2018, looking to point the Whites in the right direction after finishing in 13th place the season prior to his appointment.
The 69-year-old made an immediate impact in Yorkshire, helping the club secure a third-place finish before infamously losing in the play-offs to Derby County despite leading after the first leg.
However, he would take it up a notch in his second year at the helm, claiming the league title and subsequently ending their 16-year absence from England’s top flight.
Bielsa would take the division by storm with his unique play style, achieving a ninth-place finish, but it would rapidly come crashing down in his second year with the side in the Premier League.
He was sacked in February 2022 with the side lingering dangerously close to the drop zone, in what was an emotional departure given his time at Elland Road.
The experienced boss was responsible for countless moments of magic, including the transformation of one player who managed to impress in the first team before pocketing the club a huge profit after his departure.
The player who Leeds struck gold offloading
Before Bielsa arrived at Leeds, midfielder Kalvin Phillips was utilised as more of an attacking option, but his role would drastically change under the Argentine – taking his career to the next level as a result.
The Englishman would drop into a deep-lying position, a move that would massively complement his expansive passing range, something that would make him a huge hit with the fanbase in Yorkshire.
He would make 37 league appearances during the promotion-winning campaign, subsequently being named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, with the manager labelling him as “very valuable” to the side.
Phillips would carry his excellent form into the Premier League, with his form earning him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England side for Euro 2020, becoming an influential member of the side as they came runners-up to Italy.
He would feature in Bielsa’s final season, before leaving in the summer of 2022, moving to Manchester City for £45m, a fee that was pure profit given his development through the academy.
1.
Raphinha
Barcelona
£55m
2.
Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City
£45m
3.
Archie Gray
Tottenham Hotspur
£40m
=
Georginio Rutter
Brighton & Hove Albion
£40m
4.
Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United
£30m
5.
Crysencio Summerville
West Ham United
£25m
However, his career has since failed to take off, making just 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, before enduring two unsuccessful loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
He’s only started 11 league games for the Tractor Boys during the ongoing campaign, failing to make the impact he would’ve envisaged for Kieran McKenna’s outfit.
Given his decline, the fee received for his services was a magnificent one, cashing in on the homegrown talent whilst his stock was at its highest.
The 29-year-old still has time on his side to resurrect his once-promising career, potentially opening the door to an emotional return to Yorkshire in the summer should the club return to the Premier League.
He's perfect for Solomon: Leeds must rue offloading "sensational" talent
Leeds United may have sold one player who would’ve been perfect for Manor Solomon.
ByEthan LambFeb 20, 2025