When Marcelo Bielsa guided Leeds United back to the Premier League in 2020, hopes were high that his fearless brand of football would cement the club among the top-flight elite. For a brief spell, that seemed possible — a ninth-place finish in their first season back underlined the promise. Yet the dream soured, ending in relegation in 2023 after Bielsa’s departure and a string of failed successors.

Now, Daniel Farke is tasked with doing what Bielsa could not: making Leeds a permanent fixture in the Premier League. The German manager has already sparked optimism, guiding the Whites to two early wins and an encouraging mid-table start following their record-breaking 100-point Championship title campaign.

Leeds’ new recruits making an instant impact

Leeds strengthened heavily in the summer, and the early signs suggest smart business. Gabriel Gudmundsson has slotted in well at left-back, offering energy and determination despite an own goal against Fulham. Noah Okafor has brought flair to the attack, his dribbling and direct play keeping defences on edge. Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while not a long-term marquee signing, has shown his value with a trademark headed goal at Wolves.

But perhaps the most eye-catching arrival is Anton Stach. Signed for £17m from Hoffenheim, the German midfielder has quickly become central to Farke’s setup. His stunning free-kick against Wolves turned heads, while his combative, all-action style has drawn comparisons to former fan favourite Kalvin Phillips. Averaging 3.7 ball recoveries and 5.3 duels won per match, Stach has added both bite and quality in midfield. Pundits like Troy Deeney have already hailed him as “very impressive,” and some journalists have gone further, calling him one of the Premier League’s best signings of the summer.

The real bargain: Sean Longstaff

Yet, for all Stach’s quality, it may be Sean Longstaff who proves Leeds’ shrewdest piece of business. Picked up for just £12m from Newcastle, the 27-year-old has silenced any doubts about his fitness and form. Covering over 12km per game, Longstaff’s work rate has been immense, while his defensive and passing stats compare favourably to players who cost ten times his fee, including Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

Former defenders like Nedum Onuoha had tipped him as a “sneaky good” signing, and they’ve been proved right. Farke himself has described Longstaff as “outstanding,” and Opta data shows his influence across both defensive and attacking phases. Given his price tag, Leeds may have pulled off one of the bargains of the window.

A platform for stability

With new signings bedding in quickly and Farke instilling resilience, Leeds fans can dare to believe the yo-yo years may finally be behind them. Bielsa’s era will always be remembered for its highs and heartbreak, but under Farke — and with players like Stach and Longstaff thriving — Elland Road may yet have found a path to long-term Premier League stability.