Credit: BBC iPlayer, Imago

Cameron Smith

Mon 18 May 2026 13:40, UK

Micah Richards has had a howler with his latest comments on Leeds United.

The Whites’ Premier League safety was secured without having to kick a ball last week, with West Ham falling to defeat against Arsenal.

In the aftermath, Daniel Farke’s side would fight back to earn a point against Tottenham last Monday, before they saw out their home campaign with a 1-0 win against Brighton on Sunday.

It has been a fantastic year for the West Yorkshire outfit, who have gone from strength to strength throughout the term.

Though as far as Richards was concerned, Leeds were somehow not quite safe ahead of the clash with the Seagulls.

Micah Richards has howler over Leeds United survival comment

After a difficult start to the season, Farke and his side would turn things around over the festive period.

Since then, they have continued to shift through the gears – seeing their spot in the division sealed with three games to go.

Though former defender Richards would embarrass when speaking live om Sky Sports when speaking ahead of Leeds’ game with Brighton on Sunday.

Looking at the Whites in particular, he said it “looks like they’re safe” prior to the Brighton bout, despite safety actually being confirmed for a week at that point.

This followed a common theme, with Gary Lineker making a similar Leeds comment less than a week before.

Contrary to some beliefs, Leeds are safe in the top flight, and can begin planning for next season ahead of the summer.

Summer allows Leeds to secure Premier League progress

Leeds recruited well last summer and were, in fact, the only club in the division to sign players exclusively over the age of 25.

That paid dividends, with arrivals capable of making an immediate impact on the team.

The next step, though, is to avoid repeating the mistakes of their previous spell in the top flight – something Farke is evidently well aware of.

After the sensational years under Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites began to stagnate, and the sharp decline in performances reflected that before their eventual relegation in 2023.

Now, Farke has an immensely strong core of players, but Leeds must build on this to lay the foundations for a side capable of competing higher up the table.

Given how tight the battle for Europe has been this season, there will be places up for grabs in the coming years.

With the right project and recruitment, the West Yorkshire outfit could well be among those challengers if they play their cards right.