Leeds United took another huge step towards the Premier League on Saturday as their 2-1 win over Preston opened up a five-point gap on Sheffield United with just four games to go. Daniel Farke’s side now need a maximum of seven points to guarantee automatic promotion although with the Blades due at Turf Moor on Easter Monday, it could well be done with fewer.
Fans will no doubt have a keen eye on that meeting, just like they did West Brom’s defeat at Huddersfield Town back in 2020 that confirmed the end of their 16-year stay outside the top-flight. Celebrations were behind closed doors during the Covid pandemic but those who eventually won the title under Marcelo Bielsa instantly became legends - just as Daniel Farke’s squad will look to do now.
Since that memorable campaign five years ago, Bielsa’s squad have taken very different paths, with some moving on for big money while others moved into coaching - a small number are still at Leeds half a decade on. And with a second promotion feeling so close, the YEP has looked back at what those 2019/20 title-winning heroes are up to now.
7. Pascal Struijk
Only just makes this list, having made five appearances during the title-winning campaign as a teenager. Has developed into one of the Championship's best centre-backs and a leader, often wearing the captain's armband during Ethan Ampadu's absence. Out for the season due to a foot injury. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
8. Barry Douglas
The left-back joined Blackburn Rovers on loan the summer after promotion before a return to Polish outfit Lech Poznan. Joined St Johnstone as a free agent in October last year and has played 13 times for the Scottish Premiership side. | Getty Images
9. Ezgjan Alioski
Like Berardi, the Whites cult hero called time on an incredible Leeds spell following that first season in the Premier League, joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, where he remains. Recently came directly up against Dan James while playing left-back for North Macedonia. | Getty Images
10. Kalvin Phillips
The academy graduate's incredible improvement continued under Bielsa in the Premier League and he joined Manchester City in a £42m deal in July 2022. Things haven't worked out since and after a disastrous loan spell at West Ham, he joined Ipswich Town for the season last summer. An uncertain summer appears likely with relegation likely for the Tractor Boys and no place at City. Has been linked with a return to Leeds. | OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
11. Jamie Shackleton
Remained a valued squad player right through Leeds' Premier League spell without ever stringing together a serious run of starts. Out of the picture under Daniel Farke last season and joined Sheffield United following the expiration of his contract. Not played much at all this season, due in part to injury issues. | Tim Markland/PA Wire Photo: Tim Markland/PA Wire
12. Adam Forshaw
Another who Leeds leaned on through three Premier League seasons, albeit when injury problems weren't keeping him out. Contract expired the summer after relegation and Forshaw has since featured for Norwich City, Plymouth Argyle and currently Blackburn Rovers. Scored his first goal in nine years against former club Plymouth in February. | Getty Images