In the 2025 summer transfer window, Daniel Farke and sporting director Adam Underwood signed tall players to add physicality. Of the 10 permanent arrivals, eight stand over 6ft, including Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Justin, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, Lucas Perri and Anton Stach. Farke said: "I wouldn't say it's coincidence that they are all tall players... You have to make sure that you're also good in defending crosses."

After losing Pascal Struijk to Brighton, Farke signed World Cup players Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi. Muharemovic has impressed, playing every league minute in front of 6ft 5in James Trafford, who joined for an initial £40m from City. Harry Wilson also arrived on a free from Fulham.

Leeds lost eight of their first 13 league games in 2025-26, sitting 18th. Reports suggested Farke was in danger of losing his job. The rejig improved the defence – only Arsenal, City and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals since the switch. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has benefited, scoring 14 top-flight goals since last December, with only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Joao Pedro scoring more.

Calvert-Lewin has thrived with a strike partner, often Nmecha or Okafor. With Crystal Palace visiting Elland Road on Saturday, he aims to become the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive league home games since Arthur Hydes in 1932. He is also in contention for an England recall under Thomas Tuchel.