admin“EXCLUSIVE”- Leeds United consider shock new name to replace Farke as Red Bull recommend former Chelsea, PSG coach
Leeds United are assessing potential replacements for Daniel Farke this month, and a new candidate has emerged through their connection with Red Bull, sources have told us exclusively.
Red Bull, who quietly purchased around a 10% minority stake in Leeds from majority owners 49ers Enterprises in the summer of 2024, are considered a silent partner.
They hold no board seat and have no influence over club operations, but the relationship allows Leeds to seek guidance when needed.
Through that partnership, highly regarded coach Zsolt Low has been recommended as a possible option if Farke is dismissed.
The 46-year-old has long been part of the Red Bull coaching network, having worked at Red Bull Salzburg and later at RB Leipzig. At Leipzig, he served as assistant to Ralph Hasenhüttl during the club’s 2016/17 season, when they finished Bundesliga runners-up.
Low later worked under Thomas Tuchel at PSG, Chelsea, and most recently Bayern Munich.
Their partnership ended after Tuchel was sacked by Bayern, though Low later spent a period as Leipzig’s interim manager from March 2025 until the end of the campaign.
While Leeds have been made aware of Low’s availability, it remains uncertain whether the club will pursue him seriously.
Farke under heavy pressure
Farke’s position at Elland Road is becoming increasingly unstable. The 49ers began sounding out alternatives following the 2–0 loss to Aston Villa on November 23.
As reported earlier by Fraser Fletcher, the club are actively considering a managerial change, with Brendan Rodgers initially identified as a leading candidate.
The Guardian reports that Farke has two upcoming fixtures — against Chelsea and Liverpool — to save his role, needing at least one victory to survive. Failure to win either is expected to bring an end to his two-and-a-half year tenure.
Alongside Rodgers, sources confirm that Ange Postecoglou is also under consideration, despite his difficult spell at relegation rivals Nottingham Forest. Steven Gerrard and Raphael Wicky, both recently interviewed by Middlesbrough, have admirers at Leeds but are not currently seen as frontrunners.
Gerrard’s potential appointment is further complicated by his role in Saudi Arabia. Returning to work in the UK before April 2026 would subject him to a significant 45% tax burden.
Another option is Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior — a coach held in high regard. Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, believe he could one day replace Enzo Maresca, but they fear the lure of a Premier League job might be too tempting to refuse.
Even so, the likelihood of Rosenior leaving to manage a club embroiled in a relegation fight appears slim.
Gary O’Neil linked — Danish coach distances himself
Recent reports suggest Leeds are also exploring the possibility of appointing Gary O’Neil. The 42-year-old is considered one of the most promising young English managers and has been without a club since leaving Wolves nearly a year ago.
His Premier League record—31% win rate across Wolves and Bournemouth—has placed him in the frame as another viable candidate.
Meanwhile, a respected Danish coach appears to have ruled himself out after cooling speculation linking him with the Elland Road vacancy.
Zsolt Low’s coaching background
Low played as a left-back and ended his career in the Bundesliga with Mainz, while also representing Hungary internationally for six years. After retiring in 2011, he began coaching with FC Liefering, Salzburg’s feeder team.
From there he progressed to Salzburg and then RB Leipzig, before supporting elite managers such as Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, Ralph Hasenhüttl, and Adi Hütter.
During his 2025 interim spell at Leipzig, Low led the club to seventh in the Bundesliga, earning two wins, three draws, and three defeats in eight matches. He favoured a traditional 4-4-2 or a more fluid 4-2-2-2 approach, breaking from Leipzig’s usual back-three system.
Reflecting on his short managerial stint, Low said:
“First, it needs to be a team – that’s absolutely crucial. Just play together, train together, and be happy to create something as a unit. The dressing room must become a real dressing room, the team a true team.”
Low will now wait for the right opportunity to build that kind of environment at his next club.
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