‘Ethan Ampadu update emerges as Leeds United players to leave after promotion’
Leeds bosses have already decided on where they see Ethan Ampadu’s future with several players set to leave after promotion.
The Whites guaranteed promotion with a 6-0 win over Stoke on 21 April, but now face the arduous task of building a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League next season.
The first decision to be made will be as to whether Daniel Farke will be in charge of Leeds in the Premier League, with the hierarchy at Elland Road believed to be looking at alternative options due to his poor performances with Norwich in his previous stint in the top-flight.
The 24-year-old Ampadu has been a key figure for the Whites this season, but he has missed 21 games due to injury this season.
According to The Athletic, with “goodbyes” expected from the playing staff this summer a clear view of the captain’s position has been reached amid a host of big decisions for Leeds in the transfer window.
Leeds hope Ethan Ampadu can ‘make the grade’
As reported, promotion now sees Leeds and Farke, for now, having some key calls to make on which players can “make the grade” next season.
Ampadu is said to be one of only a “few” players who decision-makers are hoping can make that transition and remain a starter next season.
When the Welsh international has played, he has been one of the Championship‘s best operators since joining from Chelsea two summers ago, but his injury record will be a concern.
More decisions remain amid uncertainty on Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, Illan Meslier futures
Football Insider Verdict
Before any signings can be made, Leeds must decide which of their first-team players they want to keep going forward.
In spite of leading the Championship golden boot race, Joel Piroe may be replaced by Leeds as there are concerns surrounding his ability to make the grade as a Premier League striker.
Another forward, Willy Gnonto, faces similar question marks on his future at Elland Road but for different reasons.
| 2024/25 Championship stats | Ampadu |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 25 |
| Tackles won % | 56.5% |
| Duels won % | 61.9% |
| Minutes | 2,196 |
The talented Italian has irregularly featured under Farke and having received interest from more established sides, the ex-Inter Milan forward will want assurances on his playing time.
Finally, it seems improbable that Illan Meslier will be at Leeds next season after a series of high-profile errors.
Sam Johnstone has been mooted as a replacement for the French shot-stopper, having failed to oust Jose Sa as Wolves’ first-choice between the sticks.