Leeds United Bio

Leeds United Football Club, founded in 1919, is one of England’s most historic and passionately supported clubs. Based at Elland Road in West Yorkshire, the club has a proud legacy, including three First Division titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup. Under legendary manager Don Revie in the 1960s and ’70s, Leeds built a reputation for being a fiercely competitive side, both domestically and in Europe—reaching the European Cup final in 1975.

After a decline in the early 2000s, which saw financial collapse and relegation, Leeds spent 16 years outside the Premier League before finally returning under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020. Known for their intense style of play and loyal fanbase, the Whites remain one of the biggest clubs in the country, often referred to as a “sleeping giant” when outside the top flight.

🔁 Transfers Between Leeds United and West Ham United (Selected Players)

Here’s a list of notable players who have transferred directly or indirectly between Leeds United and West Ham United:

Rio Ferdinand

Leeds → West Ham Youth, then West Ham → Leeds (1999)

Became the world’s most expensive defender at the time when Leeds bought him for £18m.

Lee Bowyer

Leeds → West Ham (2003 & 2006)

Had two separate spells at the Hammers after leaving Leeds.

Robbie Keane

Leeds → Tottenham → West Ham (loan, 2011)

Not a direct transfer, but Keane’s career included both clubs.

Michael Brown

Leeds → West Ham (2006, short spell)

Midfielder who briefly turned out for the Hammers.

Tony Cottee

West Ham → Leicester → Leeds (loan, 1997)

Another player with spells at both clubs, albeit not directly transferred.

Sam Byram

Leeds → West Ham (2016)

Made the move to the Premier League after impressing at Elland Road.

Robert Snodgrass

Leeds → Norwich → Hull → West Ham (2017)

Spent a key part of his early career at Leeds before joining West Ham years later.

Kieran Dyer

West Ham → QPR → Leeds (loan)

Brief Leeds stint at the end of his career.