Leeds United dreamt of making an immediate return to the Premier League following their 2022/23 relegation, but their promotion bid didn't go according to script.
Tipped alongside Leicester City and Southampton for automatic promotion, the Yorkshire club endured a rollercoaster season ending in Championship play-off heartbreak.
A sluggish start with just one win in their opening five games left them with a mountain to climb. However, Leicester and Ipswich pipped them to automatic promotion.
Their disappointment didn't end there as they lost the play-off final against Southampton. They are now desperate to make it second time lucky this season.
Squad reinforcements will be key
Failure to secure promotion to the Premier League puts Leeds in a precarious position, as they could lose several key players this summer.
The Championship has been a shopping ground for Premier League clubs over the years, and Leeds could be picked apart.
Highly-rated teenager Archie Gray has already joined Tottenham Hotspur, while Georginio Rutter, Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are attracting interest from top flight clubs.
Regardless of who leaves Elland Road, Leeds must strengthen their squad to improve their chances of securing promotion next season.
Leeds could be in business if they can get their hands on some of the Championship's best performers. Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics fits the bill.
The Republic of Ireland international bagged 33 goals in 48 games across all competitions last season and would be a statement signing if they can pull off a deal.
Leeds have been well-backed to win the Championship title, but their odds would be slashed even further if Szmodics heads across the Pennines.
New sports betting sites in Ireland would be inundated with wagers on Leeds if they sign the Irish international. Other markets would also be appealing to punters on the Emerald Isle.
Szmodics would be a good bet to retain the Golden Boot if he signs for Leeds, given he would be playing alongside higher quality players.
Leeds have also been linked with a move for talented Irish left-back Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, with Junior Firpo facing an uncertain future at Elland Road.
The Ireland Under-21 international could be the ideal successor to Firpo, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract.
MacNulty can play as a left-back or tuck in as a left-sided centre-back when required, so his skill set would come in handy if Leeds decide to act on their interest.
Leeds need a fast start to the season
The opening five games of the season are a mixed bag for Leeds. The Yorkshire outfit will kick off their Championship campaign at home to newly promoted Portsmouth.
They will then travel to West Bromwich Albion, who also finished in the play-off places last season and will be keen to secure promotion this term.
After visiting the Hawthorns, Daniel Farke's side will face Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough before hosting Hull City at the end of August.
A box office showdown awaits in their first match after the international break in September when they host relegated Burnley at Elland Road.
Leeds had a rough start to the 2023/24 campaign, which left them with plenty of ground to cover in the promotion race. They cannot afford to make the same mistake this time around.
If Leeds can navigate this brutal quintet of matches with a healthy points tally, it would lay a solid foundation for a potential title charge.
Leeds faced serious competition in the promotion race last season, but overcoming the current crop – including the relegated trio – is an achievable objective.
However, it depends on how they navigate the summer transfer market, considering their dire financial situation. Financial constraints will likely lead to the departures of some key players.
Losing Summerville would be a massive blow, but the proceeds from his potential sale could free up funds to reinforce the squad.
The Championship is a gruelling division, but Leeds have the infrastructure and fanbase to bounce back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
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