£16m Leeds United player a surprise joint-winner of Thorp Arch bleep test alongside Sam Byram

Leeds United Step Up Pre-Season Preparations with Grueling Fitness Tests and Squad Returns

Leeds United officially kicked off their pre-season campaign this week as players returned to Thorp Arch for training ahead of the 2025/26 season. The squad regrouped on Monday, and by Tuesday, they were already back on the training pitch, undertaking the infamous bleep test under the watchful eyes of LUTV cameras.

Manager Daniel Farke was present to oversee proceedings, keen to assess both returning squad members and recent signings. Several of the club’s summer arrivals, including Swedish full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol, and Belgian centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw, were all spotted taking part in the session, integrating with the rest of the group as preparations intensify.

Also back in action were several familiar faces returning from loan spells. Young talents Darko Gyabi, Sam Greenwood, and Joe Gelhardt – who all gained valuable experience at Championship clubs last season – joined the session, as did teenage midfielder Charlie Crew following his stint at Doncaster Rovers. The club appears to be taking a close look at their development, potentially with a view to giving them more prominent roles in the coming campaign.

Another notable returnee was winger Jack Harrison, who has spent the past two seasons on loan at Everton. While his future remains uncertain, with speculation linking him with a permanent move back to Goodison Park under former West Ham boss David Moyes, Harrison looked sharp during the session, suggesting he may still have a part to play for Leeds if a move doesn’t materialize.

Shock Performer Emerges in Grueling Bleep Test

The bleep test – a notoriously tough endurance drill – marked one of the first real physical tests of the new pre-season. Historically, it has been used to measure stamina and fitness levels within the squad. In past years, Jamie Shackleton was a consistent standout performer in the drill, but with his departure in 2024, the crown was left up for grabs.

Last season saw the test split into groups, with the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Pascal Struijk, and Sam Byram earning top spots. This year, however, the entire squad participated together, offering a more competitive environment.

To no surprise, Sam Byram once again emerged victorious, proving his fitness levels remain top-notch after recently signing a new one-year deal with the club. The bigger surprise came in the form of joint-winner Joel Piroe. The £16 million striker, more commonly associated with his composed finishing and calm demeanor, defied expectations by pushing himself to the front of the group. His performance may be an early indication that the Dutchman is fully focused and determined to take on a more commanding role in attack this season.

Countdown to First Pre-Season Friendly Begins

With pre-season now in full swing, Leeds United will be back in competitive action in just over a week. They are set to travel to Sweden, where they’ll face off against arch-rivals Manchester United in a high-profile friendly on July 19. The match will take place at the Strawberry Stadium in Stockholm and carries special significance, as it was the same fixture and setting that marked Daniel Farke’s first game in charge of Leeds in July 2023.

Fans will be eager to see which players make the trip and how Farke manages his squad selection. Will Harrison feature against the Red Devils? Will returning loanees like Gelhardt and Greenwood get their chance to impress? And perhaps most intriguingly, how involved will the new signings be in this early test?

Following the clash with Manchester United, Leeds will continue their pre-season tour with a trip to Germany and a showdown against La Liga side Villarreal. With transfer business still ongoing, more arrivals may join before the new season kicks off, adding further intrigue to a summer that is already gathering momentum.