Leeds United are heading into their second consecutive Premier League season, and the optimism surrounding the club is growing. Last campaign's 14th-place finish — a respectable return for a newly promoted side — has supporters believing a brighter future lies ahead.

Among those dreaming of bigger things is Lucas Radebe, the club's iconic former captain, who says he hopes Leeds will one day reclaim their place among Europe's elite.

Radebe's hopes for the club

"It's going to be challenging for Leeds during the 2026-27 season in terms of competing and staying in the league," Radebe told FourFourTwo. "But hopefully in the future the club can entrench itself and someday qualify for the Champions League, and get back to where it belongs."

The South African defender captained Leeds in the Champions League in the early 2000s and holds those European nights at Elland Road close to his heart. "Throughout the years that I was there, we competed in the Champions League and had hopes of winning the Premier League. Hopefully we will bring those glory days back to the club," he said.

Praise for Daniel Farke

Manager Daniel Farke is preparing for his fourth season at the helm, and Radebe believes the German is the right man for the job. "The current manager, Daniel Farke, is a great person and fantastic boss. He isn't a typical big-club manager, but is somebody well-suited to Leeds, whose fans are passionate about their football and want to see their team competing in the Premier League for the long haul once again."

A legend's bond with Elland Road

Radebe retired as a Leeds player in 2005 and has remained closely connected to the club ever since. Last year, he was officially appointed as a club ambassador and was invited to speak at the Leeds academy, sharing his experiences with the next generation of players.

"From nowhere, I became a household name in such a great club and beautiful city," Radebe reflected. "It was an honour and privilege to return and be involved in a way that I could impart my experience and share my history with the academy youngsters."

His bond with the Leeds faithful clearly runs deep. "Heading to the Radebe Suite and seeing the passion of the Leeds fans — to the point they tattoo their bodies with my face — it's another level," he said. "I didn't set out to be a legend, but to play football and showcase my talent, and doing that at Leeds was a dream come true."

Radebe also acknowledged a rather unique tribute from supporters — a beer brewed in his name. "I also know about the Radebeer, which has been brewed in my honour, although I don't actually drink alcohol myself!" he added with a laugh.