Report: Leeds United plot shock Daniel Farke exit after Premier League return

The Whites' American owners, 49ers Enterprises, have sparked speculation about a bold managerial shake-up, with whispers of a Premier League title-winning coach in their sights.

Farke, a proven Championship specialist, steered Leeds United to promotion with a thumping 6-0 victory over Stoke City on Easter Monday, amassing 94 points with two games to spare. This marks his third promotion from the second tier, having previously led Norwich City to the Premier League in 2019 and 2021 with 94 and 97 points, respectively.

Yet, despite this stellar record, doubts linger over his ability to keep Leeds United in the top flight, given his struggles at Norwich, where they managed only five wins in each of their Premier League campaigns under him.

The news, first reported by the Daily Mail, has sent shockwaves through the football world. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor weighed in on talkSPORT Breakfast, urging Leeds United to take a hard line. "Leeds United have been out of the Premier League for so long, and now they're back. The owners might think they need to be ruthless," he said.

Agbonlahor pointed to Bournemouth as a precedent, noting how the Cherries parted ways with Gary O'Neil in 2023 after he kept them up, replacing him with Andoni Iraola, who has since transformed their fortunes. "I don't want to see it, but you never know with these owners," he added.

Leeds United's hierarchy have reportedly drawn inspiration from Bournemouth's ambitious blueprint. The Whites had attempted to lure Iraola from Rayo Vallecano before appointing Farke in 2023, only to be rebuffed.

Now, with promotion secured, they appear ready to explore high-profile alternatives. One name dominating the conversation is Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Currently at Fenerbahce, Mourinho has been linked with both Leeds United and Scottish giants Rangers, but talkSPORT's Alan Brazil dismissed the latter. "Mourinho at Rangers over Leeds United? No chance. He'd want Leeds United," Brazil said.

Co-host Sam Ellard echoed this sentiment, stating, "He'd take a way back to the Premier League every day of the week."

Mourinho, who boasts two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and a Champions League crown, represents a seismic shift from Farke's pragmatic approach.

However, sources suggest Leeds United are also eyeing a "lesser-known" manager to build a long-term project, mirroring Iraola's impact at Bournemouth. The Daily Express reported that any decision to part ways with Farke would hinge on securing a replacement capable of ensuring top-flight survival.

Meanwhile, Farke has remained defiant, focusing on his team's achievements. "It's an impressive achievement, to be on 94 points is the best points tally this club have had in any season," he said after promotion was confirmed. "We're so hard to beat, scoring goals for fun. The lads are playing really well."

The potential sacking of Farke, a manager who has delivered promotion with a club-record points haul, would be a gamble for Leeds United.

Their owners, backed by the financial muscle of 49ers Enterprises, are clearly unwilling to settle for mere survival in the Premier League. Whether they turn to a marquee name like Mourinho or a rising star, the decision will shape the Whites' future in the top flight.

For now, Farke's fate hangs in the balance as Leeds United prepare for their final Championship fixtures against Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle, with the Championship title still within reach.