Leeds United face three contract calls after Ethan Ampadu signs four-year deal | OneFootball

Leeds United have secured captain Ethan Ampadu on a new four-year contract, shifting focus to other pressing renewals.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, chairman Paraag Marathe told local media in London on Thursday that Ampadu had agreed fresh terms, replacing a deal to 2027 that included a one-year option.

Karl Darlow is the most urgent, with his contract expiring within weeks. Signed on a three-year deal in 2023, the 35-year-old is now first-choice after Lucas Perri’s errors against Manchester United and Newcastle, and his Wolves reflex stop was nominated for Premier League save of the season. With uncertainty over Perri and the near-certain exit of Illan Meslier, retaining him looks prudent.

Pascal Struijk also faces a decision as he enters his final year. He started 33 Premier League games, with only Ampadu and Joe Rodon logging more minutes, and switched smoothly between back four and back three on the left. If he declines new terms this summer, Leeds must sell or risk a free, while replacing the vice-captain and only left-footed centre-back on budget would be difficult.

Brenden Aaronson has 12 months left of the five-year deal signed in 2022 after a £25million move from RB Salzburg. After relegation struggles, a loan and a Championship title, he helped deliver a 14th-place finish with four goals and five assists, joint-second in the squad. Farke’s trust has been consistent, and if Leeds sell, now is logical with a home World Cup potentially boosting value, though he also offers stability and work-rate.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk