Leeds: 'Almost everything is in place' to qualify for Europe after Daniel Farke and Ethan Ampadu latest
Leeds United's goal of securing a return to European football in the four years is perfectly "achievable."
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Whites will need "bold strategic vision" in order to push towards the top seven.
This comes after captain Ethan Ampadu recently penned a new four-year deal at Elland Road, and noted that his end goal is to play for the club in Europe.
Wyness is in no doubt that stability at the club holds the key to the skipper being able to achieve that dream, which he feels is not too far-fetched at the moment.
Daniel Farke's side impressed upon their return to the Premier League and ultimately finished well clear of the relegation battle.
The West Yorkshire outfit haven't featured in a major European competition since 2002, but they are now lining that up as their next goal.
Keith Wyness: Daniel Farke's future must be resolved if Leeds want Europe
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Leeds resolving Farke's future holds the key to the next stage of their project.
The German boss is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Elland Road, and has recently called for further backing from the 49ers.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that Ampadu's claim could become reality if the owners keep their faith in Farke.
"They need to get the manager's position sorted out. I think that is what's needed in terms of stability to be able to push on and try to qualify for Europe," he said.
"The mid-table group of clubs is pretty fierce competition, and they all seem to be pretty similar in terms of strengths, so it all depends on injuries and some key marginal decisions as to who makes it into the European spots.
"I do think it's quite achievable for Leeds to be thinking of getting into the seventh or eighth spot, no problem. I think that can be done. But to stay there, that's the bigger job. They're doing all the right things.
"It's going to take some bold strategic vision, and as I say, getting stability with the manager, which to me is a key sign from Leeds right now. Everything else seems to be in place, and then they can kick on to Europe."
Daniel Farke contract extension imminent
Wyness told Football Insider last weekend that he expects Leeds to reach an agreement with Farke over a new deal "shortly."
He stressed that the former Norwich City boss has done more than enough to earn the continued backing of the board.
Wyness made it clear that Farke is likely to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
He emphasised once again that tying the boss down to a new deal holds the key to Leeds continuing to consolidate themselves in the Premier League.