After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League this season, Leeds United’s immediate aim this summer will be to build a squad capable of ensuring that they don’t have to endure the same survival battle next term.
Looking further ahead, however, the hope will be that Jesse Marsch and his men can properly consolidate their top flight status, with view to pushing on and recapturing some of the magic that brought such success to Elland Road in the past.
But what exactly does the future have in store for the Whites?
We took to Football Manager 2022 to find out.
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 into the future by fast forwarding to the end of the 2027 transfer summer transfer window.
For one thing, it’s all change in the dugout, with current Shakhtar Donetsk manager Roberto De Zerbi taking over at Elland Road in 2026 following a spell with the Italian national team - and there are plenty of changes in the dressing room too.
Check out the Whites’ in-game starting XI from the first day of the 2027/28 Premier League season below...
7. CM: Lewis Bate
A real success story, Bate makes good on his sizeable potential and establishes himself as Phillips’ go-to partner in the centre of the park. | Getty Images
8. RM: Dan James
The Welsh speed demon hits 40 goals in 184 Leeds appearances, as well as clocking up 80 caps for Wales. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Ezequiel Barco
Another high-profile signing, the Argentine international arrives from MLS side Atlanta in 2026. | Getty Images
10. LM: Ben Brereton Diaz
Linked with Leeds in real life, the Chilean international signs in the summer of 2027 after a highly successful spell in South America. | Getty Images
11. ST: Pedro
The Brazilian hitman is snapped up from Flamengo in 2024, and goes on to score 21 goals in 79 outings at Elland Road. | Getty Images