Leeds 'optimistic' over Lukas Nmecha amid new contract 'update'

Leeds United are optimistic about keeping Lukas Nmecha beyond the end of the season with new contract talks planned.

The 27-year-old's long-term future at Elland Road has been called into question with his current contract set to expire in June 2027, with less than a year remaining.

His lack of playing time in recent weeks, where he has played backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has led to suggestions he could seek a move away in the near future.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds hope they will be able to keep Nmecha as he still has a valuable part to play in his squad.

Daniel Farke sees the striker's role as a capable backup as a key asset, and would "love" to extend his stay, although they do understand it may not be possible.

The decision will ultimately be made by Nmecha, who is not believed to be especially keen on remaining if he is not playing regular football as part of the starting XI.

Could Leeds offer Lukas Nmecha a new contract?

Football Insider revealed on 16 September that Leeds are planning to hold talks with Nmecha over a new deal before the turn of the year as they hope to keep him around.

The 27-year-old has made four Premier Leauge appearances so far this season, but all four of those have come from the bench, and he has played a total of just 64 minutes.

However, he will likely be called upon when the fixture list becomes more packed in the tricky winter months, and they hope he will continue to play a role long-term.

"From a Leeds point of view, they will be optimistic they can keep Nmecha," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's playing an important role for them as a substitute even if he's not getting as many minutes as he'd like, and he's a very impressive and capable backup striker.

"They're going to need players like that, as the fixture list gets busier and players start to pick up injuries, so of course they'll want to keep him.

"A lot of it will depend on the player, of course, so things could be difficult but Leeds hope they will be able to keep hold of him and get him on a new contract.

"Plus, it would be typical that they'd let him leave and then Calvert-Lewin would get injured again, there is always the risk of that."

How does Nmecha feel about leaving Leeds?

Ultimately, regardless of whether or not Leeds hope to keep Nmecha at the club, much will depend on the striker and how he views his long-term future at Elland Road.

Calvert-Lewin remains the first-choice number nine at Elland Road, and that is unlikely to change, meaning the Germany international will remain down the pecking order.

As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Nmecha is unhappy at Leeds and could look to move on in search of more regular playing time.

He registered 10 goal contributions in 37 appearances last season, but was only handed 10 Premier League starts, and had hoped to receive increased playing time this term.

Should he continue to play a subsitute role this season as expected, it is becoming increasingly likely that Nmecha will look to move on next year.