Graham Smyth has revealed where Leeds United are ‘anticipating’ to go for their pre-season tour this summer.
Aside from a brief spell out in Norway where they faced bitter rivals Manchester United in their first friendly under Daniel Farke, Leeds spent much of last year’s pre-season in the UK.
Having been beaten 2-0 by the Red Devils, Leeds then lost by the same scoreline in their next friendly in York against AS Monaco.
They did, however, round-off pre-season with back-to-back wins over Nottingham Forest and Hearts respectively, though Leeds could not take that momentum into the regular campaign as they won just one of their opening five matches.
Farke will be hoping a more settled squad this time around will lead to a better pre-season, that they can then turn into a fast start to the campaign. Chairman Paraag Marathe believes they are in a position to do exactly that.
Smyth shares where Leeds are set to go for pre-season
Leeds have jetted off to various places across the world in recent years, including to Australia twice under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
They also went to Spain during the period of the World Cup break in the winter of 2022, and it appears as though Leeds will not be going too far this time around.
According to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds are ‘anticipating’ a trip to Germany this summer as part of their preparations for the new season.
Smyth was responding to a supporter in a question and answer session as more and more details gradually begin to emerge on Leeds’ pre-season calendar.
Leeds have already confirmed friendlies against both Harrogate Town and Valencia for the summer ahead, the latter of which will be at Elland Road and in the final weekend before the new season.
A trip to Germany certainly makes sense for Farke given it is where he is form and a place he has spent large periods of his playing and managerial career, though at this stage it is unclear who they will be facing out there.
He said: “Yes, we are anticipating a trip to Germany for Farke and his squad as they prepare for the new season, but the friendlies are not confirmed and the details are still to be firmed up before the club makes any announcements.”
Smyth also shares Max Wober and Rasmus Kristensen update
Smyth covered a range of topics surrounding the club and their plans this summer, with the window having officially opened on Friday.
One of the most eye-catching updates he provided was on the futures of both Max Wober and Rasmus Kristensen amid the news of Brenden Aaronson’s return this week.
Aaronson’s decision to give it a second go at Leeds has now brought the other five returning loanees into the spotlight, and Smyth says nothing can be ruled out.
Alongside Diego Llorente, neither Wober or Kristensen have the option to leave on loan again, making it all the more interesting as to how it could pan out.