Leeds United’s next three contract calls after Ethan Ampadu agrees four-year extension | OneFootball

Leeds United have secured captain Ethan Ampadu on a new four-year contract, sharpening focus on three more pressing squad decisions.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, chairman Paraag Marathe revealed in London on Thursday that an agreement was in place. Ampadu’s previous deal ran to 2027 with a one-year option, but Leeds prioritised tying down a cornerstone for the longer term.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s situation is most urgent, his contract expiring within weeks. The 35-year-old ended the season as first choice in the Premier League, taking over from Lucas Perri after errors against Manchester United and Newcastle.

Darlow has impressed since, including a reflex stop at Wolves nominated for Premier League save of the season. With uncertainty around Perri and the near-certain exit of Illan Meslier, keeping the experienced, homegrown stopper would appear prudent regardless of any recruitment.

Pascal Struijk is into the final year of his deal and his future is less clear. He started 33 league games, with only Ampadu and Joe Rodon logging more minutes, and operated smoothly at left-sided centre-back in both back four and back three.

If he declines new terms this summer, Leeds must sell or risk losing him for nothing next year. Signed for very little in 2018, he would command profit, yet as vice-captain and the only left-footed centre-back in the squad he would be hard to replace on budget.

Brenden Aaronson is entering the final 12 months of the five-year contract he signed in 2022 after a £25million move from RB Salzburg. His time has ranged from relegation struggles and a loan to a Championship title and a role in last season’s 14th-place finish.

He was joint-second most productive with four goals and five assists, and Daniel Farke’s trust has been constant. If Leeds are to cash in, now looks the moment, though he could also offer continuity and work-rate, with momentum possibly lifted by a home World Cup with the USA.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk