Leeds United will welcome 20 former players back to Elland Road next season but those welcomes will be very different, depending on who returns. Whites supporters aren’t exactly known for hiding their feelings - positive or negative - with the stadium providing a cauldron-like atmosphere for opponents.
Players like Pascal Struijk and Karl Darlow know all-too-well what it feels like to walk out at Elland Road but for the former at least, doing so as the enemy will be new. Darlow has been inside the ground as an opponent but never as part of a Manchester United squad which are sure to receive a special welcome.
Former stars will also be returning to West Yorkshire when the likes of Bournemouth, Arsenal and newly-promoted Hull City come to town. Take a look below to see when those 20 players are due back at Elland Road next season.
1. Jaidon Anthony - Brentford (August 30)
Spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Leeds before registering an impressive eight goals and two assists in the Premier League for Burnley last season. Has since joined Brentford for around £20m. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Eddie Nketiah - Crystal Palace (September 19)
Initially joined on loan for the 2019/20 title-winning season but was recalled halfway through due to a lack of minutes. Left Arsenal for Palace in a £30m deal in 2024 summer but still struggling for regular football. | Getty Images
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3. Karl Darlow - Manchester United (October 17)
Darlow became the first player in 22 years to swap Leeds for Manchester this week, leaving Elland Road after his contract expired. The Welshman was first-choice last season but the YEP understands he could not be guaranteed a similar standing going forward. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Djed Spence - Tottenham Hotspur (November 7)
Spent the first-half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Elland Road but was sent back early by Daniel Farke. Has enjoyed a real renaissance at Spurs, playing regularly and impressing enough to earn an England call-up for the World Cup. | Getty Images
5. Archie Gray - - Tottenham Hotspur (November 7)
Leeds' academy star left for Spurs in a £40m deal in 2024 and has continued to develop, albeit with first-team minutes limited. Will be interesting to see where he stands amid Tottenham's busy summer window so far. | Getty Images
6. Matt Grimes - Coventry City (November 28)
The midfielder spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Leeds but played just seven Championship games. Captained Coventry to promotion last season. | Getty Images