on 26 november 2009, capaldi joined league one leaders leeds united on loan until 4 january 2010, with a view to a permanent move, and was given permission to play for leeds in the fa cup. having been recommended a move to leeds by the club's assistant manager glynn snodin and cardiff teammate warren feeney, he made his debut in a 1–1 draw with kettering town in the second round of the fa cup, before making his league debut against oldham athletic. after playing against huddersfield town, capaldi reiterated his desire to join leeds permanently in january.