Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has penned a letter to supporters reflecting on survival, a spending promise kept and 'disciplined' summer 2026 recruitment.

The final Premier League table confounded the one so many predicted back in August, with Leeds sitting well clear of the drop zone in 14th place. Daniel Farke's men were tipped by a lot of commentators to struggle upon their return to the top flight, in what was expected to be a continuation of the recent newly-promoted trend. But unlike the last six teams to come up, both Leeds and Sunderland established a foothold in the top flight. The Black Cats accrued 54 points, to Leeds' 47, and ended the season in seventh place with Europa League football to look forward to next season. Burnley were the only newly-promoted side to go straight back down having earned just 22 points.

Farke's performance in guiding the team to midtable safety, eight points clear of relegated West Ham, was credited in a letter to supporters by chairman Paraag Marathe. The 49ers Enterprises supremo also lauded the fans for their role in making Elland Road such a difficult place for opposition sides to play. And looking further ahead, Marathe told supporters to expect 'strategic and disciplined' recruitment this summer. He believes it will take three seasons of toil before Leeds can consider themselves an established Premier League outfit.

His letter in full...

"Dear Leeds United supporters, with the season now finished, following an extraordinary effort by everybody connected to this great football club, I am immensely proud to have achieved our goal of securing another season in the Premier League.

While this year brought memorable highs and difficult moments, Daniel and the squad delivered a special campaign. In a league where promoted clubs usually struggle, survival in our first season back is a significant accomplishment. We are also especially proud to have recorded our first league win at Old Trafford since 1981 and to have reached our first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.

This season, clearly one of the determining factors for the squad was your energy at Elland Road - we collected 32 points on home soil. We will need that energy next season to ensure it remains a fortress. I said last year that the road ahead would not be easy - that is still true. History shows that the second season in the Premier League can be just as, if not more, challenging as the first. We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side.

This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach. As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League. Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result.

Remaining in the Premier League allows us to keep building, both on and off the pitch. With our global supporter base, commercial growth opportunities, stadium expansion project, and a world class football operation, we believe strongly in the future for Leeds United. I want to thank Daniel, the players, and staff of Leeds United who have worked tirelessly throughout the season to achieve our objective. I would also like to thank you, our supporters, for your tremendous support throughout the campaign that made Elland Road one of the best environments in global football. There is still important work ahead, and I am incredibly confident about what comes next for Leeds United."