Paraag Marathe outlines Ethan Ampadu’s four-year Leeds deal and summer stance | OneFootball

Leeds United have secured captain Ethan Ampadu on a new four-year contract, a move chairman Paraag Marathe framed as a statement before a pivotal summer. He revealed the agreement at a supporters’ event.

“I can proudly announce that we have signed Ethan Ampadu to a new four-year contract. The ink is dry and it’s done. No doubt, we want to keep the core together,” said Marathe, speaking to Sky Sports.

Signed from Chelsea in summer 2023 as Daniel Farke’s first permanent addition, Ampadu has since become a mainstay and club captain. Trusted in midfield and defence, he is one of Farke’s first picks.

In the 2025-26 Premier League season he made 35 league appearances and logged more than 3,000 minutes, underlining his durability. His leadership has grown alongside his consistency.

Leeds view the announcement as part of a wider plan to retain the squad’s backbone rather than trigger major upheaval. Tying down Ampadu removes uncertainty around a key asset before the window accelerates.

Marathe also cast the deal as a message to the market and suggested the club are operating from a stronger base than a year ago. With competition for places high, he indicated any additions must raise the bar.

Source: Leedsunited.news