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Jose Mourinho ‘wishes he took Leeds job’ amid new transfer developments as Whites plan Premier League return

Leeds United are wasting no time in preparing for life back in the Premier League, with fresh reports suggesting the club’s ambitious summer plans are already turning heads across the footballing world — including those of managerial heavyweights.

According to sources close to the situation, legendary manager Jose Mourinho is said to have privately expressed regret over not taking the Leeds job when it was offered last year. While Mourinho ultimately chose a different path, it appears the scale of Leeds’ post-promotion rebuild — backed by the financial muscle of 49ers Enterprises — is making waves behind the scenes.

The Portuguese icon reportedly told a close confidant, “I wish I took the Leeds job. There’s something happening there.” Though those comments have not been made public officially, they reflect the growing sentiment around Elland Road: that Leeds are intent on not just surviving in the top flight, but establishing themselves as a force once again.

Daniel Farke, who masterminded the club’s promotion campaign with an assured blend of pragmatism and purpose, is now being handed the tools to take the next step. The club’s American owners, 49ers Enterprises, are understood to be preparing a sizeable transfer budget as part of their Premier League re-launch, with recruitment already well underway.

While names remain tightly under wraps for now, sources indicate the club have shortlisted several top-tier targets with Premier League and international pedigree. There is a clear emphasis on bolstering key areas such as central midfield and the forward line, where experience and quality are seen as essential to survival.

Farke is said to have full control over footballing matters, working closely with a recruitment team that includes key figures from both sides of the Atlantic. There is also renewed optimism within the Leeds camp that they can attract high-calibre players who might previously have overlooked the club, thanks to the allure of Premier League football, a passionate fanbase, and the strategic vision set out by the 49ers.

The financial backing is understood to be “healthy”, with one insider noting: “There’s a real intent this summer. The owners want to avoid a repeat of the struggles many promoted clubs face — and they’re prepared to invest to ensure that.”

Leeds have also been linked with moves for rising Championship stars as part of a dual approach — blending elite-level experience with youth and potential for resale value. That model, popularised by clubs such as Brighton and Brentford, could be a hallmark of the 49ers’ long-term strategy at Elland Road.

While the return to the Premier League will undoubtedly bring challenges, there is a steely determination within the Leeds hierarchy not to simply make up the numbers. With Mourinho reportedly ruing his decision and the market starting to stir, Leeds United’s summer could be one of the more compelling stories in the transfer window.