The American Revolution
The American Influence Grows
The 2022 season marked the start of new era for Leeds United with the growing influence of 49ers Enterprises, who had been involved as minority shareholders. Jesse Marsch’s appointment the previous season had been orchestrated by Victor Orta but it only exacerbated the American influence at the club. Accompanying Marsch’s appointment were several American signings, including Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams. These players were intended to complement Marsch’s tactical approach and integrate seamlessly into his system.
Leeds began the season positively with a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and an impressive 3-0 victory against Chelsea. The American players like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams made significant impacts in these early games, showcasing Marsch's high-pressing style. However, consistency quickly became an issue. Aaronson’s performances would falter and Tyler Adams picked up and injury, missing most of the second half of the season.
Leeds struggled with defensive vulnerabilities, resulting in losses to Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City. By January, Leeds was dangerously close to relegation, leading to Marsch's dismissal. The club briefly turned to Javi Gracia, who managed a crucial win against Southampton but failed to stabilize the team. In May, following a 4–1 loss to Bournemouth, Director of Football Victor Orta had left the club by mutual consent followed by the departure of Javi Gracia the next day.
Sam Allardyce was appointed as Gracia’s replacement in a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation. Despite a draw against Newcastle United, Leeds' fate was sealed with a heavy defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, leading to their relegation to the Championship. The season highlighted the challenges replacing the revolutionary style of Marcelo Bielsa. In the end Jesse Marsch was not up to the challenge and neither were the majority of his signings.
The Full Takeover and New Beginnings
In the summer of 2023, 49ers Enterprises completed a full takeover of Leeds United, gaining complete control of the club. The EFL gave approval for the acquisition, transitioning ownership from Andrea Radrizzani to the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers. Paraag Marathe, previously Vice Chairman and Board member, stepped up as Chairman, tasked with overseeing all aspects of the club's operations and leading the charge to secure promotion back to the Premier League for the 2023-2024 season.
To achieve their promotion aims, the 49ers appointed Daniel Farke as head coach, chosen for his proven track record of promotion from the Championship with Norwich. But Farke did not have the start he would have hoped for at Elland Road. With relegation release clauses emerging, players such as Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen all left on permanent or loan deals, leaving the German with a rebuild on his hands.
Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara would come in and form the basis of Farke’s new side. After a poor start to the season, the team would go on to battle to catch Leicester City and Ipswich at the top of the table. Despite a record-breaking run after Christmas, they couldn’t overturn the deficit, settling for the pay-offs instead. Leeds would beat Farke’s old side Norwich in the semi-finals but ultimately would suffer defeat to Southampton in the final at Wembley, destined to face another season in the Championship.
| Period Summary | Division | Pos (Pts) | FA Cup |
Lg Cup |
Europe |
Other |
| 2022-2023 Details | Premier League | 19 (31) | R4 |
R3 |
- |
- |
| 2023-2024 Details | Championship | 3 (90) | R5 |
R2 |
- |
- |
| 2024-2025 Details | Championship | 1 (100) | R4 |
R1 |
- |
- |
 |
