As Leeds United continue to reestablish themselves as a Premier League side, supporters will be understandably excited to see what direction the club’s future will take.
And while we might not have a crystal ball out our disposal, we do have the next best thing - Football Manager.
The popular video game franchise is renowned for its meticulous detail and authentic approach to the world of, well, football management, and we thought we’d take a look five years into the future to see exactly what the lay of the land is at Elland Road.
Fast forward to 2026, and it’s all change for the Whites.
Just four members of Leeds’ current side are still in the match day squad, but the big news is that Marcelo Bielsa is no longer at the club.
Fear not though, the Whites have managed to maintain their top flight status under his successor, albeit with a string of fairly underwhelming mid-table finishes - especially given the talent in the new squad.
Check out Leeds’ impressive new squad, according to Football Manager 2022, below...
7. CDM: Denis Zakaria
In real life, Zakaria has just signed for Juventus, but in FM, he’s ignored the bright lights of Turin for a five-year stint in England - first with Crystal Palace, and now with Leeds. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM: Sivert Mannsverk
Despite being 24 and only arriving at Elland Road in 2025, Mannsverk has been made captain of the Whites. At £7.25m, he looks like a steal. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images for DFB) | Getty Images for DFB
9. CM: Ibrahim Sangare
The Ivorian doesn’t always start for Leeds in 2026, but he appears to be a valued member of the squad nonetheless, and with 53 international caps to his name, he has plenty of experience too. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
10. RW: Jack Harrison
Harrison is still going strong at Elland Road, and is quickly closing in on 300 appearances for the Whites. Still on England cap though - he clearly hasn’t impressed Three Lions boss Jose Mourinho... (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
11. LW: Michel Ange Balikwisha
Balikwisha cost the Whites a very hefty £35.5m back in 2023, but he’s more than repaid that fee in the years since. With 18 goals in 111 outings, he isn’t quite as prolific as he was during his time with former club Royal Antwerp, but he’s important nonetheless. The forward also won the World Cup in 2026 with Belgium. (Photo by KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
12. ST: Joe Gelhardt
Here’s one to get Leeds fans smiling, a 24-year-old Gelhardt is still a regular starter for the Whites in 2026. Just six goals in 58 appearances is a tad concerning, but his £46m valuation would suggest he’s doing something right. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images