Leeds United kick off their pre-season tour of the United States later this month with a July 25 game against Wrexham in Tampa, Florida getting things underway. Daniel Farke and his squad will head across the Atlantic Ocean for what’s set to be an exciting couple of weeks, with matches against Sunderland and Liverpool also scheduled.
Farke might be without a number of first-team regulars for the start of that trip, should World Cup participants Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor be enjoying a well-earned rest. The Whites boss might also be bedding in a new arrival or two.
Leeds are expected to announce the signing of Harry Wilson shortly and the Welshman’s debut could indeed come against Wrexham in just two-and-a-half weeks. Below, the YEP takes a look at what Farke’s team might look like for that pre-season opener.
1. Leeds United XI that could start pre-season
Let's take a look at who could kick things off against Wrexham later this month. | Getty Images
2. GK: Lucas Perri
As the sole senior goalkeeper currently contracted to Leeds, Perri might be Farke's only option in goal unless an agreement can be reached with Karl Darlow. The YEP understands Alex Cairns is set to extend his stay but he's clearly behind the Brazilian.
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3. CB: Joe Rodon
Wrexham can expect to face a strong Welsh contingent including Rodon, whose summer holidays were well-deserved after an excellent 2025/26 campaign. He's about to enter his fourth year as a Leeds player. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Bornauw did not make the Belgium squad that's just progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals, instead spending recent days on holiday in Thailand. He should be fresh and raring to go, with a centre-back spot up for grabs as things stand. | Getty Images
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5. CB: Jaka Bijol
The Slovenian might have to start pre-season on the left of a three, filling the gap vacated by £20m Brighton-bound Pascal Struijk. Farke has no left-footed central defenders but Bijol is the most comfortable on that side. | Getty Images
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6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Another like Rodon who, after being virtually ever-present last season, will have enjoyed the time off - although England's right-back struggles have raised questions. Feels like another strong campaign with Leeds and he could be in the picture down the line. | Getty Images