LONDON, May 5, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Leeds manager Daniel Farke has been told he will lead the club in the Premier League next season after chairman Paraag Marathe ended speculation over the German's future.

Farke's position had been in doubt since Leeds secured promotion from the Championship at the end of April.

Reports claimed the Elland Road hierarchy were concerned about Farke's previous flop in the top-flight with Norwich.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodger was among several managers linked with the Leeds job.

But, after Farke's men clinched the Championship title on Saturday with a 2-1 victory at Plymouth, Marathe told BBC Radio Leeds: "I have ended the speculation. He is my man.

"I want to tell you all, I'm very excited to run it back with Daniel.

"I'm really excited about collaborating with Daniel. Together, we are going to build the best squad we can with every penny we're allowed to spend to compete in the Premier League."

Leeds pipped Burnley to the Championship title after finishing the season with six successive wins.

Both clubs reached the 100-point mark but Leeds had a far superior goal difference to clinch the silverware ahead of their return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Marathe said Farke had been "such a calming force" at Leeds last month when one win in six matches appeared to have stalled their title charge.

The American also explained why the club had not backed Farke publicly before Saturday's win at Plymouth.

"He has that conviction and belief and I told him privately that I was looking forward to moving forward together but I didn't feel like it was my time to speak because someone wanted to put out a rumour," Marathe said.