For a bit of fun, we've used the latest edition of Football Manager to travel five years into the future, and taken a look at how Leeds United' s side shapes up. This is how the management simulator predicts the Whites will be lining up in January 2026.
1. Dmytro Riznyk
You join us in January, 2026, where Leeds United are in the middle of their sixth consecutive Premier League season. Ivan Meslier was sold to Brighton the previous summer, which saw the Whites snap up the Ukrainian stopper. Photo: RONNY HARTMANN
2. Sergino Dest
Worth a hefty £38m, the USA international is one of the Whites' star players. He never broke into the Barcelona first team, and joined Bournemouth in 2022, before then moving to Leeds for just £13m in 2024. Photo: David Ramos
3. CB: Robin Koch
Now in the prime of his career, the resilient defender has become a firm fans' favourite at Elland Road. His average performance ratings are among the team's most reliable. Photo: Naomi Baker
4. CB: Max Kilman
An eye-catching career path saw the defender opt to play international football for Russia, and play for the likes of Feyenoord and Spurs before joining Leeds in the summer of 2025. He's now Leeds' highest-earner, on £95k-per-week. Photo: MICHAEL REGAN
5. LB: Antonee Robinson
In real life, he saw a move to AC Milan break down at the last moment before eventually joining Fulham from Wigan. On FM, he joins Leeds via Brentford, and is now worth £27m, with some stunning physical attribute ratings. Photo: MATTHEW CHILDS
6. CM: Kalvin Phillips
The local lad turned down offers from a host of clubs to remain with Leeds, and he's now the Whites' captain. Worth £47m, the England international, now 30, has thrived in the top tier. Photo: IAN WALTON