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Leeds United are preparing to host 20 of their former players at Elland Road in the upcoming season, with emotions expected to run high as familiar faces make their return.

Among the most notable is Karl Darlow, who has signed with Manchester United after his contract with Leeds expired. This move marks the first transfer from Elland Road to Old Trafford in 22 years. As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Darlow was Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper last season but was not guaranteed the same role going forward. His return to Elland Road with United will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about fixtures of the season.

Several other former Leeds United players are also set to revisit their old home, now representing clubs such as Bournemouth, Arsenal, and newly promoted Hull City.

Jaidon Anthony, currently with Brentford, will be back on August 30. After spending the 2023/24 season on loan at Leeds, he scored eight goals and provided two assists for Burnley in the Premier League last season before moving to Brentford for a reported £20 million.

Eddie Nketiah, now at Crystal Palace, returns on September 19. His loan spell at Leeds during the 2019/20 campaign was cut short due to limited playing time. Having left Arsenal for Palace in a £30 million deal during the summer of 2024, Nketiah is still striving for consistent starts in the Premier League.

Karl Darlow will revisit Elland Road with Manchester United on October 17. The Welsh shot-stopper’s appearance is likely to generate a strong response from Leeds supporters.

Djed Spence, now with Tottenham Hotspur, is scheduled to return on November 7. His 2023/24 loan spell under Daniel Farke ended prematurely, but since then he has established himself as a regular for Spurs and earned a call-up to the England World Cup squad.

Also on November 7, Leeds academy graduate Archie Gray will make his first return to his boyhood club since leaving for Tottenham in a £40 million transfer in 2024. Although his first-team opportunities have been limited, his involvement may depend on Tottenham’s squad rotation during a busy campaign.

Matt Grimes, who currently captains Coventry City, will be back on November 28. The midfielder made seven Championship appearances on loan for Leeds in the 2016/17 season and led Coventry to promotion last year.

These fixtures promise a mix of nostalgia and competition as Elland Road welcomes back players who once wore the famous white shirt, now representing rival clubs across the Premier League and Championship.