49ers to spend ‘fortunes and fortunes’ at Leeds after ‘no surprise’ Farke sack
Daniel Farke being removed by 49ers Enterprises after Leeds United’s promotion is not considered surprising with major spending imminent.
Leeds secured their return to the Premier League with the 6-0 thumping of Stoke on on Monday (21 April).
However, celebrations were short-lived for the manager who guided them back to the top-flight, as Leeds are now considering replacing Farke.
The former Norwich man has had two stints in the Premier League, and both times the Canaries finished bottom of the table.
As a consequence, the Whites’ hierarchy are likely concerned that Farke’s style of football will not translate well to a relegation battle in England’s top-flight.
Sacking Daniel Farke ‘very harsh’ says ex-Tottenham star
Jose Mourinho is the headline name to become Leeds manager if Farke is removed from his post, and letting the German go would be a harsh decision and that Leeds will have to spend big this summer, according to ex-Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (26 April, 12.40pm): “I think he should be given a shot.
“I know owners, they the money the 49ers, and they might look to go down a different way and put fortunes and fortunes in if they can, with FFP and all those kind of things, but I just think ‘wow’…
“Leeds are gonna be one of the favourites to get relegated again, we’ve seen it in the two previous seasons… so it’s a huge challenge for Leeds who are gonna have to spend big, and the owners might do that. But I just think it’ll be very, very harsh for what he’s done.”
Dawson then called it a “surprise” to hear about the sack stories as soon as he got them promoted, but accepted it’s a possible risk to back Farke in the transfer window if he were then to be let go midway through the season.
| 2024/25 Championship stats | League rank | Leeds |
| Goals per match | 1st | 2.0 |
| Goals conceded per match | 2nd | 0.7 |
| Expected goals | 1st | 84.8 xG |
| Clean sheets | 2nd | 24 |
| Average possession | 1st | 60.9% |
Ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd then added: “We’re all sitting here saying they’re gonna struggle. Why wouldn’t you go and get someone with that Premier League experience, that’s been there, that’s kept a team in the league?”
The former Scotland international then pointed out Farke failed to achieve promotion last season and that Leeds looked like they might do the same “only a couple of weeks ago”, before adding how poor Norwich were under the German boss.
Boyd added: “For me, there’s Championship managers that are very good at it, but that next level’s a big step up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Leeds [sacked] him.”
The former Rangers striker then made a similar point to Dawson, highlighting the risks of buying players for Farke, if he were then to be let go halfway through next season.
Jose Mourinho and Leeds match made in heaven
Football Insider Verdict
There has arguably never been a better match between manager and club than Mourinho and Leeds.
The Whites are a side who revel in being the antagonist, the club that nobody likes, the team that will show up and ruin your weekend.
Meanwhile, the Special One is much the same; he gleefully dismantled Pep Guardiola‘s growing dynasty at Barcelona through the art of psychological warfare and has not slowed down since.
Focusing less on the emotional side, though, having a manager who knows the rigours of the Premier League, excels in deflecting scrutiny away from his players and is famed for defensive rigidity would be a smart choice for Leeds.
Mourinho has made it clear he is happy in Turkey with Fenerbahce, but with his side unlikely to catch Galatasaray in the league and has window closing to manage in England again, the ex-Chelsea boss may find it hard to turn down the chance, if the Whites come calling.