(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 1 May 2026 17:15, UK

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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will be urging the club’s owners to tie Ethan Ampadu down to a new long-term contract.

That is according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, with Ampadu set to enter the final year of his contract with the club.

Ampadu’s deal at Elland Road expires in 2027, and the 25-year-old has played a pivotal role in Leeds’ first season back in the top flight.

The Leeds captain, who can play in midfield or defence, would certainly have interest in the summer transfer window if he was to not commit his future to the Yorkshire side.

Leeds are keen to keep their star players at the club as they look to establish themselves as a Premier League team, with Farke expected to be backed by the ownership once again this summer.

‘Talks already going on’ between Leeds and Ethan Ampadu

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Ampadu will be one of the first players that Leeds will want to offer a new contract to right now.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness does warn that Farke’s side still need to ensure their Premier League safety with another win in their final four league matches.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Ampadu’s one of the first ones on the list from Leeds’ point of view.

“Daniel Farke would go to the owners and say, let’s get him tied down. And I’m sure talks have already been going on. He deserves it and I think he will get it.

“Ampadu is somebody that they can help in the squad, and they will add to that squad for next year. But, let’s not forget these recent results. Leeds are still good.

“We thought they were safe. They’ve got to get another win or two yet out of these four games. Still all to play for. We thought it was finished, but it ain’t yet.”

Leeds backed to splash £100m this summer

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that he expects Leeds to spend around £100million this summer.

That is around the same figure that Leeds spent on transfers last summer, where the club targeted physical and versatile players.

The club could target further squad depth throughout the team in the upcoming transfer window, whilst a new goalkeeper is a key priority to replace 35-year-old Karl Darlow.

Darlow’s contract at the club expires in the summer, and £15m signing Lucas Perri’s performances in-between the sticks have not inspired confidence that he can be the number one for the future.