The 2024/25 Championship season is here and for Leeds United, it’s another unwanted campaign in the second tier.
The Whites were hopeful that this summer would be spent in anticipation of their return to the Premier League following promotion.
Instead, the focus is on picking themselves back up and attempting to win the Championship – following a third-placed finish and defeat in the play-offs.
A busy few months await as the transfer business heats up, with teams gearing up for another big season.
Leeds have plenty to be hopeful about, despite the disappointment of missing out on promotion last season.
So with that said, here’s a look at five key reasons the Elland Road faithful can be excited for the 2024/25 season.
Leeds squad quality
Looking internally at the current squad available to Daniel Farke, there is clearly some top-level quality at the club.
Ethan Ampadu, Willy Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville have all displayed their ability in the previous campaign.
While one or two may leave in the transfer window, that may only bolster the chance to improve upon a squad that has plenty of class in there.
There is then the possibility of some key loan exits making a return to the team, such as Brenden Aaronson set to fight for a place at Leeds next season.
Leeds summer transfer business
The summer transfer window offers a chance to move some pieces around in the squad to better improve the possibility of promotion.
Loan players such as Maximilian Wober, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen could fetch a fee, despite not playing a single minute for Leeds last season.
That increase in funds, on top of a potential big sale elsewhere in the squad, could allow Leeds an opportunity to make some big signings that would blow the rest of the division out of the water.
Parachute payments
While Leeds will see a decrease in their parachute payments from the Premier League, that does still give them an advantage over other teams in the league.
That could allow the Whites to keep hold of some key players in the transfer window or look at making some key signings.
On top of that is the fact that they are one of only four teams receiving these payments next season – with relegated trio Luton Town, Sheffield United and Burnley all handed the income boost.
Promotion quality
While it’s early days, many will question whether the relegated trio have the quality of the three they replaced from last season.
Sheffield United’s struggles may require a large squad rebuild, which could take some time to implement at the top level.
Luton looked to improve their ranks in the Premier League with sensible signings and could prove a threat, but they may lack some individual quality the likes of Leicester City and Southampton possessed.
Burnley could also be a threat, though it remains to be seen how they progress from the exit of Vincent Kompany into their new era.
For Leeds, there is familiarity in the division they are in and can build from for the season ahead.
A fresh start
The most important thing for Leeds is that the season marks a fresh start, something they may need from the last campaign.
A poor start and end to the previous season proved costly to Farke in his bid for promotion, but the Leeds boss can draw a line under it and start again.
Everything is level, everyone starts on zero points and everyone has a chance to reach their goals for the year.
Leeds will be hopeful that ends in promotion back to the Premier League.