The EFL Awards ceremony was held in London on Sunday night, where the Championship’s standout performers were honored after a thrilling season that could still see Leeds United clinch the top spot—provided they win their remaining two games. Leeds’ Dan James and manager Daniel Farke were both shortlisted for Player and Manager of the Year respectively, but ultimately missed out. Burnley’s Scott Parker and Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer were the ones to claim the prestigious awards. However, Leeds didn’t walk away empty-handed, as James, alongside Jayden Bogle and Ao Tanaka, earned spots in the Championship Team of the Season. Notably, key players like Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe, and Manor Solomon were overlooked.
Meanwhile, attention is turning to the transfer window, with Leeds reportedly monitoring Norwich stars Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent. Sainz, who has spent much of the season trading places with Joel Piroe at the top of the Championship’s scoring charts, currently finds himself just behind after Piroe’s four-goal haul against Stoke City. Going into the final matches, Piroe holds a narrow lead. Speaking to FLW, Don Goodman shared his belief that Sainz would leap at the opportunity to join Leeds, especially with the prospect of Premier League football on the table. Goodman stated that, after the season Sainz has had, it would be a “no-brainer” for him to make the move if the chance arises.
| Name | League Games | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Joel Piroe | 44 | 2922 | 19 | 6 | 116.9 |
| Manor Solomon | 37 | 2427 | 9 | 11 | 121.4 |
| Dan James | 36 | 2620 | 12 | 9 | 124.8 |
| Borja Sainz | 40 | 3606 | 17 | 4 | 171.7 |
However, questions are being raised about whether Sainz is the right fit for Leeds in the Premier League. Next season, Leeds will need players ready to immediately make an impact—there will be no room for passengers as Farke’s squad chases survival and success. Journalist Rory Smith emphasized on the Monday Night Club that Leeds require battle-hardened players with proven Premier League experience, even suggesting Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure as an ideal free transfer target. Sainz, despite his strong season in the Championship, does not fit that mold. His form has dipped significantly since November, with only two league goals to his name in that period, raising concerns about whether he would be up to Premier League standards.
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