Paraag Marathe drops exciting Leeds United claim - Whites supporters will be delighted | OneFootball

Paraag Marathe addressed fans at Leeds’ open top bus parade

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has publicly set out a bold new vision for the club following its return to the Premier League, outlining an ambition to establish Leeds as a dominant force not only in English football but across Europe.

Marathe made his comments during a jubilant open-top bus parade through the city, where an estimated 150,000 supporters took to the streets to celebrate the Whites’ historic achievement.

It marked Leeds' first promotion parade since 1990, as their previous return to the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa took place behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The celebrations followed Leeds' emphatic promotion on Saturday afternoon, when an injury-time goal from Manor Solomon sealed a 100-point season and the EFL Championship title.

The dramatic victory capped a two-year rebuilding effort that has now propelled the club back into the top tier of English football.

Paraag Marathe wants to restore Leeds United’s status as European giants

Speaking to the press and supporters during the parade, Marathe did not shy away from the scale of the challenge ahead - but was equally emphatic about the club’s upward trajectory.

“I don't think anyone realised, this wasn't f***ing easy. This was really hard to do,” Marathe said, addressing fans from one of the club’s open-top buses.

“Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty makes this much more rewarding and makes this so special.”

Marathe emphasised that promotion was not the culmination of Leeds' aspirations but merely the beginning of a longer-term project to elevate the club to European prominence.

“This is a journey and this is not the end. We have to keep going.

“This is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

Elland Road eyes stability and growth in Premier League comeback

With promotion secured, Leeds' focus now shifts to the challenges of Premier League survival.

The club is expected to keep Daniel Farke at the helm after he successfully led them through a demanding Championship campaign. His prior experience in the top flight will be crucial as the Whites aim to re-establish themselves among England’s elite.

But the Premier League offers no guarantees. In each of the past two seasons, all three promoted clubs have suffered immediate relegation.

Leeds must invest wisely this summer - balancing financial ambition with strategic recruitment - to give Farke the tools needed to compete.

Chairman Paraag Marathe’s vision of turning Leeds into one of Europe’s top clubs is bold, but before the club can dream of continental glory, it must first ensure it can survive - and thrive - closer to home.