Ethan Ampadu signs four-year deal as Leeds face Darlow, Struijk and Aaronson calls | OneFootball

Leeds United have secured captain Ethan Ampadu on a new four-year contract.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, chairman Paraag Marathe confirmed the deal, with Ampadu’s previous terms due to run to 2027 plus a one-year option.

Karl Darlow’s contract expires within weeks after his three-year, low-cost 2023 arrival. Now first-choice, the 35-year-old displaced Lucas Perri after errors against Manchester United and Newcastle, and his reflex stop at Wolves was nominated for Premier League save of the season. Keeping him looks sensible amid uncertainty over Perri and the near-certain exit of Illan Meslier.

Pascal Struijk’s deal runs to next summer and his future is less clear. He started 33 Premier League matches, with only Ampadu and Joe Rodon logging more minutes, and if he does not sign new terms Leeds must sell or risk a free, although his left foot and vice-captaincy make him hard to replace in a squad without another left-sided centre-back.

Brenden Aaronson is entering the final 12 months of the five-year contract signed in 2022 after a move worth around £25 million. He contributed four goals and five assists last season yet still divides opinion, though Daniel Farke’s faith has been unwavering after a period that included relegation struggles, a loan, a Championship title and a role in a 14th-place Premier League finish. If Leeds are to sell, now is the time, with his case potentially boosted by a strong home World Cup with the USA.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk