INTERNATIONAL

Leeds in top-five, Rodon nearing return & Bahoya buzz at Elland Road

📅 September 30, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 4

League form & standings

Leeds United are in strong shape as the Premier League pauses for the international break. The Whites currently sit fifth in the table after a decent start to the 2026/27 campaign. Their most recent league outing — a 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace on 20 September — meant they have won one of their last five games across all competitions, with their four Premier League outings in September producing one win, two draws and an EFL Cup loss. The standout result of the month was a commanding 4-1 dismantling of Newcastle United at Elland Road on 14 September, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the charge. That victory pushed Leeds up to third at the time. Their next Premier League test comes on 10 October, away at Arsenal.

Rodon injury update

The big injury concern at Elland Road continues to be centre-back Joe Rodon. The Wales international was forced off after just 34 minutes in the 1-1 draw at home to Brentford in late August after picking up a serious hamstring problem. Manager Daniel Farke confirmed the initial prognosis as eight to ten weeks out. However, the latest reports suggest Rodon is now closing in on a return, and injury expert Ben Dinnery has indicated that the defender could be back as early as 18 October if his recovery continues to go well. Summer signing Tarik Muharemovic has been impressive in covering for Rodon, performing so well that he has even kept Jaka Bijol on the bench. Dan James also briefly reported back problems ahead of the Carabao Cup trip to Chelsea in September, though that concern appears to have passed.

Manager news

Daniel Farke's future at Elland Road looks increasingly secure. Reports indicate that broad agreement has been reached between the club and the German coach over a new contract, though sources note there has been a slight delay in finalising the paperwork. Farke has been widely praised for Leeds' strong start — the club have made a significant year-on-year leap from 12th in last season's Premier League table all the way up to fifth at this early stage. There is also growing chatter over England goalkeeper James Trafford, who joined Leeds in the summer, with reports noting that he is relishing competition for the England number one spot with Jordan Pickford.

Transfer talk

The big transfer story of the past 48 hours revolves around summer loan signing Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. The 21-year-old French winger — who holds the Bundesliga speed record — arrived on deadline day from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal that carries a mandatory purchase clause reported at around €30 million (roughly £25.7 million). So far Bahoya has managed just three minutes of Premier League action, a cameo off the bench against Crystal Palace, but fan excitement is already high. Reports from 29 September reveal that Leeds could trigger the appearance-related clause that activates his permanent transfer before January even arrives, with 13 games remaining before the end of 2026. (Rumour) Meanwhile, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been linked with a January exit following limited starts this season, but Leeds have made clear they will not entertain any offers. According to Football Insider, Aaronson signed a new deal until 2029 in the summer and still has a role to play under Farke. (Rumour) Separately, reports from 26 September claim Chelsea could look to raid Leeds for a midfielder in January, though the club in West Yorkshire are said to have already reached a firm decision on any such approach.

Sources

Share on Facebook WhatsApp X