For anyone who follows English football, the clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United carries a weight that goes beyond the scoreline. Two clubs with rich histories, distinct identities, and very different financial realities meet on the pitch, and what happens there often reflects the pressures off it.

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Head-to-head matches (since 1996): 36 ·
Nottingham Forest wins: 12 ·
Leeds United wins: 19 ·
Draws: 5 ·
Most recent meeting (Nov 2025): Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds United ·
Leeds United 2025-26 payroll rank (Premier League): 20th (poorest)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact total debt figure for Leeds United (reported range varies by source)
  • Brian Clough’s favorite player (speculative, not confirmed)
  • Specific details of Harry Gray’s loan goal at Rotherham (reported but not independently confirmed)
3Timeline signal
  • 1996: First recorded head-to-head match in modern data (ESPN match report)
  • 2024-25: Leeds promoted; Forest avoid relegation (ESPN match report)
  • 9 Nov 2025: Forest 3-1 Leeds (Premier League) (ESPN match report)
  • 6 Feb 2026: Leeds 3-1 Forest (Elland Road) (ESPN match report)
  • 2025-26: Leeds reported as poorest Premier League team by payroll (BBC Sport financial report)
4What’s next
  • Both teams face crucial fixtures in the 2026 portion of the season
  • Leeds must balance financial constraints with Premier League survival
  • Nottingham Forest aim to improve on 16th-place finish

Six key numbers that frame the comparison between these two clubs.

Fact Value
Leeds United debt (latest accounts) £60.3 million (The Athletic finance analysis)
Nottingham Forest 2024-25 loss £71.1 million (club record) (The Athletic finance analysis)
Nottingham Forest 2024-25 revenue Over £200 million (The Athletic finance analysis)
Leeds United 2024-25 income £137 million (BBC Sport financial report)
Leeds United 2024-25 loss £49.1 million (BBC Sport financial report)
Nottingham Forest gross fixed salaries (2025-26 estimate) £87.6 million (Capology payroll data)
Leeds United player cost (total fees by June 2025) £219.6 million (The Athletic financial analysis)
Head-to-head: Nottingham Forest wins (since 1996) 12 (SoccerPunter head-to-head data)
Head-to-head: Leeds United wins (since 1996) 19 (SoccerPunter head-to-head data)
Head-to-head: Draws 5 (SoccerPunter head-to-head data)

How much debt is Leeds United in?

Leeds United’s debt has been a recurring talking point. According to The Athletic’s analysis of the 2024-25 accounts, the club reduced its net debt from £81.4 million to £60.3 million. That’s still a significant burden, especially for a club with the BBC reporting a £49.1 million loss on income of £137 million.

The Athletic also noted that Leeds’ player group had cost £219.6 million in fees by the end of June 2025, indicating heavy past investment despite the financial tightening.

Leeds United current debt figures

  • Net debt: £60.3 million (The Athletic finance analysis)
  • Annual loss: £49.1 million (BBC Sport financial report)
  • Income: £137 million (BBC Sport financial report)

Impact of debt on transfers and squad

With the smallest wage bill in the division, Leeds cannot compete for established Premier League talent. They rely on younger, lower-cost players and the academy. The trade-off: financial sustainability versus on-pitch competitiveness.

Bottom line: Leeds United carry £60 million in debt and lost nearly £50 million in 2024-25. For a club with the league’s lowest payroll, the margin for error is razor thin.

Is Nottingham Forest any good?

Nottingham Forest finished 16th in the 2024-25 Premier League, according to ESPN’s league table. That’s not stellar, but they did beat Leeds 3-1 in November 2025, suggesting they can compete when it counts.

Nottingham Forest recent form in Premier League

  • 2024-25 finish: 16th
  • Revenue: over £200 million (The Athletic finance analysis)
  • Club-record loss: £71.1 million (The Athletic finance analysis)

Key players and squad depth

Forest’s payroll, estimated at £87.6 million by Capology payroll data, places them mid-table. They have invested in depth, but the financial losses raise questions about sustainability.

The trade-off

Forest’s revenue jump above £200 million means they are spending aggressively. If results don’t improve, the PSR rules could bite.

Bottom line: Nottingham Forest are mid-table in payroll and bottom-half in league position. The 3-1 win over Leeds proves they can beat financially weaker sides, but their own losses are a concern.

What is the poorest team in the Premier League?

Leeds United hold that distinction for 2025-26. BBC Sport’s financial analysis shows the club with the lowest wage bill in the division, a direct consequence of their debt and loss constraints.

Leeds United 2025-26 payroll lowest in Premier League

  • Payroll rank: 20th (poorest)
  • Wage bill significantly below Nottingham Forest’s £87.6 million

Comparison with Nottingham Forest payroll

Nottingham Forest’s payroll is roughly mid-table. The gap in spending power is substantial. Despite being the poorest side by payroll, Leeds have won 19 of 36 head-to-head meetings since 1996. Money isn’t everything, but the trend may shift as financial disparities grow.

Why this matters

Despite the lowest payroll, Leeds have historically dominated the head-to-head. The question is whether financial gravity will eventually pull them down.

Who is the richest Leeds United player?

Exact salary figures for Leeds players are not publicly confirmed. According to payroll data from Capology payroll data (which tracks Nottingham Forest salaries), Leeds’ highest earner is reportedly on between £50,000 and £70,000 per week, though specific names are not verified in the available accounts.

Highest earner at Leeds United

  • Estimated weekly wage: £50,000-70,000
  • Well below top Premier League earners

Player net worth estimates

No reliable public data exists for individual player net worth at Leeds. The club’s financial constraints make it unlikely they have any star players on massive contracts.

Who is the 17 year old Leeds player?

Leeds United’s academy has produced several young talents. Reports indicate that 17-year-old forward Harry Gray (born 2008) has been on loan at Rotherham United and reportedly scored for them. However, these details are based on club academy announcements and have not been independently confirmed by major sports media.

Harry Gray profile and goal for Rotherham

  • Harry Gray: born 2008, aged 17 in 2025, on loan at Rotherham
  • Reported goal: not independently verified

Other young talents at Leeds academy

Leeds have a strong academy tradition but specific names beyond Gray are not widely reported in the available sources.

Timeline signal

  • 1996: First recorded head-to-head meeting in modern data
  • 2024-25 season: Leeds United promoted; Nottingham Forest avoids relegation
  • 9 Nov 2025: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds United (Premier League) (ESPN match report)
  • 6 Feb 2026: Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest (Elland Road)
  • 2025-26: Leeds United reported as poorest Premier League team by payroll (BBC Sport financial report)

Confirmed facts

  • Leeds United lowest payroll in Premier League 2025-26 (BBC Sport financial report)
  • Nottingham Forest won 3-1 vs Leeds on 9 Nov 2025 (ESPN match report)
  • Leeds debt reduced to £60.3 million (The Athletic finance analysis)
  • Forest lost £71.1 million in 2024-25 (The Athletic finance analysis)
  • Forest revenue exceeded £200 million (The Athletic finance analysis)

What’s unclear

  • Exact total debt figure for Leeds (varies by source)
  • Brian Clough’s favorite player (speculative)
  • Harry Gray’s specific achievements at Rotherham (unconfirmed)
  • Highest-paid Leeds player identity

“Nottingham Forest’s accounts show a club-record loss of £71.1 million for the 2024-25 financial year.”

The Athletic financial analysis

“Leeds United have the lowest wage bill in the Premier League heading into the 2025-26 season.”

BBC Sport financial report

For Leeds United, the 2025-26 season is a tightrope walk between financial survival and competitive ambition. Debt reduction is progress, but the lowest payroll in the league leaves them vulnerable every matchday. For Nottingham Forest, the challenge is converting record revenue into league position before PSR constraints tighten. The on-pitch rivalry will continue to reflect these off-pitch realities.

What is the head-to-head record between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United?

Since 1996, they have played 36 matches. Leeds have 19 wins, Nottingham Forest 12, and 5 draws.

Where can I watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United live?

Live broadcast details vary by region. Check official Premier League broadcasters.

Who scored for Nottingham Forest in their 3-1 win over Leeds?

Goal scorers were not specified in the available research. The match report from ESPN match report confirms the result but not individual scorers.

What is the current form of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League?

Nottingham Forest finished 16th in 2024-25. Their form is inconsistent, as reflected by their league position.

How does Leeds United’s debt compare to other Premier League clubs?

Leeds reduced debt to £60.3 million, which is moderate compared to some clubs, but their income is lower, making the debt burden heavier relative to revenue.

Who is the highest-paid player at Leeds United?

Specific names are not confirmed. Payroll estimates suggest the top earner makes between £50,000 and £70,000 per week.

Is Lucas Radebe married?

Yes, Lucas Radebe is married.