Deal 80% Done: Leeds United Set to Stun Rivals with Premier League Midfield Raid Ahead of Man Utd Clash

Predicted Leeds United Line-Up to Face Manchester United in Pre-Season Clash Featuring Sean Longstaff and Summer Signings

Leeds United are gearing up for a fierce pre-season encounter with arch-rivals Manchester United, as the two old foes meet on 19 July at the 50,000-capacity Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. With both sides preparing for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League campaign, this fixture promises to offer an early glimpse into their respective rebuilds.

This summer has already been eventful at Elland Road. Having secured the Championship title and a return to the Premier League, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is set to field a refreshed side. With several key additions arriving through the door, fans will get their first look at what could be the core of Farke’s starting XI this season.

Among the new arrivals expected to feature is Sean Longstaff, with reports indicating that Leeds are close to finalising a £12 million move for the Newcastle United midfielder. Should the deal go through in time, Longstaff is tipped to anchor Leeds’ midfield in Stockholm. The 26-year-old has long been admired by the club, and his potential inclusion will be seen as a statement of intent.

Another confirmed signing is Gabriel Gudmundsson, who joins the Whites from Lille. The Swedish left-back has been brought in to replace Junior Firpo, who is set to depart for Real Betis on a free transfer. With Gudmundsson’s signing officially announced on Tuesday, he’s expected to slot straight into the left side of defence.

Defensive reinforcements don’t stop there. Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are both in line to make their pre-season debuts. Bijol, a towering Slovenian centre-back, is widely expected to become a regular starter, while Bornauw adds depth and aggression to the defensive unit.

In attack, former Wolfsburg striker Lukas Nmecha is another new name that could lead the line for Leeds. The forward arrives with Bundesliga and international experience, giving Farke a different option up front as he reshapes the team for Premier League football.

Despite the fresh faces, Farke is likely to retain much of the core squad that delivered promotion. The likes of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Ilia Gruev are all expected to feature, providing continuity and balance alongside the newcomers.

This pre-season fixture not only revives one of English football’s oldest rivalries but serves as a dress rehearsal for the season ahead. Leeds will host Manchester United at Elland Road on 4 January, before travelling to Old Trafford on 11 April in what are bound to be two highly anticipated Premier League match-ups.

For now, all eyes are on Stockholm as Farke prepares to showcase his new-look Leeds side — with fans hopeful that this blend of familiar faces and exciting signings marks the start of something special.