Leeds United will start their Easter weekend schedule against Watford on Friday as the leaders of the Championship.
The team led by Daniel Farke is the best in the division. The Whites were early favorites for promotion under his leadership going into this season, and they are still in the running as they sit atop the table over rivals for promotion, including Leicester City, after defeating Millwall 2-0 in the final match before the current break in the regular league schedule.
The former Norwich City manager has won the Championship twice. He has led Leeds to 13 victories out of 13 in all 2024 league games, and his only loss at Elland Road this season has come from a draw away to Huddersfield Town.
Farke himself is hoping for his third promotion from the second division in as many years, but this weekend, at the start of the run-in, when the calendar is more packed than normal, the competition for his team’s spot will heat up significantly.
As the international break draws to a conclusion, Leeds’ opponents this weekend are Watford and Hull City. Easter weekend is a crucial time for teams at both ends of the table, as Leeds is all too familiar with following their disastrous 2019 season under Marcelo Bielsa.
Nevertheless, as those matches draw nearer, we’ve looked at some of the most recent information and top stories from Elland Road in the interim.
Paul Robinson’s decision on Liam Cooper
Whether Liam Cooper extends his stay at Leeds beyond the end of the season could depend on whether he’s happy to play a bit-part role, according to Paul Robinson, speaking via MOT Leeds News.
The central defender has found his game time limited this term, with Joe Rodon coming in on loan to play alongside Pascal Struijk, whilst Ethan Ampadu is also able to operate in this role and has switched from holding midfield to centre-back in the absence of Struijk, ahead of Cooper in the pecking order.
He told MOT Leeds News: “I think it would probably come down to the player’s personal choice, I think he’s a player the manager would like to have around. I think he’s been a fantastic servant for the club, the way he’s performed in promotion seasons, the way he’s performed in the Premier League I think he’s a talisman for the club.
“I think he’s the type of player the manager would like to keep in the dressing room regardless of if he’s going to play him every week or not. I think it will come down to the player’s want and desire to play regularly.
“You look at the players Leeds have got now, Rodon and Ampadu the two centre-halves, then arguably Pascal Struijk when fit goes ahead of Liam Cooper now. But in a Premier League team, in a Premier League season you’re going to get games.
“It’s been difficult for him this season, he’s a player who likes to play week in and week out, and he’s a player who plays with rhythm and when he plays consistently he gets better. I think it’s hard for a player like him to dip in and out of the side, so if he left I wouldn’t be surprised but on the flip side if he stayed I think he’s a player the manager would want.”
Leeds and Leicester set for transfer disappointment
Dean Jones, speaking to Give Me Sport, stated that Leeds and Leicester City are poised for transfer disappointment since the Championship team has been checking on Juventus center-back Koni De Winter.
The Whites will probably require central defenders in the summer transfer window for many reasons. The futures of Cooper and Charlie Cresswell, who haven’t seen a lot of playing time in the 2023–2024 season, are unclear. By the time June arrives, Struijk might be the sole senior center-back at the team because Rodon is just on loan.
Wolves and other top-flight English clubs are reportedly interested in De Winter. However, it appears that Genoa, the player’s current loan team, is the front-runner to sign a long-term contract with the 21-year-old.
Jones stated as much to Give Me Sport: “I can understand why the Wolves would have wanted to get in touch by now, so any connections to De Winter are intriguing.
“It is anticipated that he will become a permanent member of Genoa, based on information I have obtained from contacts in Italy. He has a redemption requirement set at 23 Serie A appearances as part of his move, and he currently has 22.
As a result, I find it difficult to think that anything more could possibly happen in that situation, although the rumor is intriguing.
“I’m also told that Leicester, Leeds and West Ham have checked in on the situation.”
Pascal Struijk’s message to Leeds supporters
After being ruled out for the remainder of the season, Pascal Struijk, a defender for Leeds, has supported his colleagues to complete the task and earn promotion. The 24-year-old had a fantastic first half to the season and had proven to be a true leader for Daniel Farke in defense.
Due to a groin injury, Struijk hasn’t played since the Boxing Day loss to Preston. It was revealed yesterday that he underwent successful surgery to address the adductor problem, meaning he won’t be playing this season.
He will, nevertheless, be present for the last eight games, and following the announcement on social media, the player posted a statement.
“I underwent a successful surgery this week to treat my injury. I feel let down since, even with our current advantageous position, I am unable to guide my team to victory. I’ll put a lot of effort into reaching my maximum strength, but in the interim, I’ll cheer on the team from the sidelines. Boys, you got this.
