Leeds United News: August 2

Leeds United have confirmed their second pre-season friendly of the summer with a home clash at Elland Road against Villarreal on August 2.

The Whites have a hugely important summer window ahead as they embark on their return to the Premier League, likely looking to spend big as they aim to stay up.

In preparation, Leeds will be facing off against top sides from across Europe, and Manchester United, in order to get ready for the top flight.

Leeds United confirm Villarreal friendly at Elland Road this August

The club have now confirmed their second pre-season friendly for the summer ahead, returning to Elland Road on August 2 for a fixture against La Liga side Villarreal.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Managed by 59-year-old Marcelino, Villarreal will be preparing for for Champions League football next season, and therefore providing a stern test to Leeds as they look to match the quality of the Premier League.

It mirrors last season’s final friendly of the summer at the beginning of August, facing off with Valencia at Elland Road, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

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El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) will travel to Elland Road with a talented squad more than capable of hurting Daniel Farke’s side, with a few interesting names worth keeping an eye on.

Former Leeds loanee Alfonso Pedraza could feature, while Leeds might have their work cut out in thwarting Alex Baena, Yeremy Pino and Thierno Barry.

Villarreal’s Ilias Akhomach could finally play at Elland Road after rejecting Leeds United transfer in 2023. (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, one interesting name is Ilias Akhomach, back in training after the Moroccan international suffered a complete cruciate ligament tear earlier this season.

The talented 21-year-old could have been playing at Elland Road two years prior to this friendly, though, reportedly agreeing a transfer to move from Barcelona to Leeds in the summer of 2023 – only to turn his back on the agreement with Victor Orta due to relegation and the Spaniard’s exit from the club.

He instead stayed in Spain with a move to Villarreal, now cutting his teeth in La Liga as opposed to developing in West Yorkshire.

In 51 appearances for his current club, Akhomach has managed five goals and five assists whilst making six senior appearances for Morocco.

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