‘When You Look At’ – Leeds United Star Picks Two Teams To Emulate

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Harry Wilson has insisted that Leeds United are keen to emulate recently promoted Sunderland and Nottingham Forest by aiming for a lofty finish in the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a successful campaign last term, securing their Premier League status after promotion from the Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

They beat off competition from several other sides to sign Wilson on a free transfer earlier this summer, returning to the chase for the Welshman after a move to land him last summer collapsed on deadline day.

Defender Tarik Muharemovic and goalkeeper James Trafford have followed him through the door into Elland Road, as Leeds look to kick on.

Sunderland, who came up with Leeds, managed to secure a spot in the Europa League for this season, while Nottingham Forest have also recently enjoyed European football on the back of getting up to the top flight.

For Wilson, there is little reason that Leeds cannot look to do the same, after taking the vital first step of avoiding being relegated straight back down.

Wilson told the Daily Mail: “Clubs have shown in recent years that the first season back in the Premier League, it’s all about making sure you stay up.

Wales internationals on the books at Leeds United

“But in the end, Leeds stayed up really comfortably last season.

“When you look at the likes of Sunderland and Forest, who’ve come up in recent years and have got into Europe, that’s definitely an aim that we can have.

“But I think that second season syndrome has been the case with a few teams.”

Wilson believes Leeds need to establish Elland Road as a fortress this term and then take another step forward on last season’s achievements.

“So this season let’s try and build on what the club created last year, that strong base, making sure our home form is good, which is massive and let’s see where that takes us.”

Wilson adds to a strong core of Wales internationals at Leeds, with Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Dan James also on the books.

Leeds did lose one Wales international, with Karl Darlow snubbing fresh terms to join Manchester United.

The Whites still have work to do in the transfer market and may need to recruit throughout the side, with defender Sebastiaan Bornauw drawing interest from Germany, while there is the need for another midfielder and more final third options.

Daniel Farke’s side have shown interest in Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji, who will now leave the Camp Nou this summer as he seeks regular game time.

Barcelona are seeking to sell the Swede, but also include a buy-back clause into any deal, which would give them a degree of control over his future.