Inside Leeds United’s US tour, Japan decision, Brazil-tested base and Under-21 group | OneFootball

Leeds United will take a 65-strong party to the United States this week, a workload said to be 10-fold bigger than recent Germany trips. The squad will hub at Red Bull’s new New York base, selected by Brazil for the World Cup.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, planning began in December with Europe, America and Asia considered, and offers arriving in January. Operations lead Matt Robertshaw said commercial opportunities were assessed, but football needs came first.

By late January Leeds chose the US after exploring Japan via Ao Tanaka’s national-team link, judging it a stretch with opponents below the required level. Promoter TEG built the tour around Liverpool in Chicago, with Wrexham and Sunderland involved.

Leeds adopted a team-camp model, weighing Tampa against New York before selecting Red Bull. They will fly commercial from Manchester, then use internal charters and a charter home, with performance chief Chris Domogalla test-flying the return aircraft.

An advance party landed at JFK on Monday to set up hotel and training, including a chef, nutritionist and physio. With Tampa near 35C, supplies include kit for ice towels and framed family photos. On arrival players eat, mobilise, then start double sessions Wednesday.

Premier League status for 2026/27 kept Plan A intact, though Robertshaw believes the commercial offer would still have stood. Senior players get single rooms, with around nine Under-21s sharing as World Cup returnees arrive late. Security will involve the 49ers’ Nickel Group, and Leeds are ready for mid-tour signings with UK or US medicals.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk