Story perspectives

Leeds Secures Captain Ampadu Until 2029-30

6/5/2026

Summary

Ampadu Extends Leeds Contract

Leeds United have signed captain Ethan Ampadu to a contract that runs until end of the 2029-30 season.
Marathe said Ampadu joined from Chelsea for £7 million in July 2023, played in 2025-26 and helped Leeds win the 2024-25 Championship, finishing 14th with 47 points.
Leeds secured the extension despite interest from other clubs and abroad, calling it the first step to keep the core squad together and chase European competition.

Summary

Marathe Backs Farke

Chairman Paraag Marathe said he is in dialogue with manager Daniel Farke and wants him to stay beyond the 2026-27 season.
Marathe said he and Farke share the same three-year ambition for Leeds United.
He hinted that contract talks will start soon and will remain confidential.
Marathe pledged maximum financial backing for Farke in the summer and noted the club’s size exceeds any individual.

Summary

Farke Names Core

Player Ampadu signs a contract raising his wage above £40,000, making him among the club’s highest-paid players.
Coach Farke names players Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor untouchable core.
Leeds may sell player Pascal Struijk, whose contract ends 2025, after interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham.
Leeds also target Union Berlin defender Danillo Doekhi and a relegated World-Cup-bound star valued at £26 million.

History

Historical Context

Leeds United’s modern caution stems from the 2007 voluntary administration that triggered a 10-point deduction and relegation to League One. Under chairman Peter Ridsdale the club had sold Rio Ferdinand for about £30 million and faced debts near £119 million, prompting Ken Bates to take control. Today’s contract extensions for captain Ethan Ampadu and manager Daniel Farke echo that earlier push to stabilise key personnel.

1 of 4

Ampadu Extends Leeds Contract

Leeds United have signed captain Ethan Ampadu to a contract that runs until end of the 2029-30 season.
Marathe said Ampadu joined from Chelsea for £7 million in July 2023, played in 2025-26 and helped Leeds win the 2024-25 Championship, finishing 14th with 47 points.
Leeds secured the extension despite interest from other clubs and abroad, calling it the first step to keep the core squad together and chase European competition.

1 / 4