Ethan Ampadu could play key role in Sean Longstaff leaving Leeds

Ethan Ampadu could have an impact on Sean Longstaff's future at Leeds United, sources have told Football Insider.

Longstaff joined the Whites in the summer of 2025, but has struggled to imprint himself as a mainstay in Daniel Farke's plans.

The former Newcastle man has instead been utilised as a sporadic squad option, with his minutes this season proving so.

The 28-year-old has only been handed 10 minutes in the Premier League, split across two separate appearances.

It is a fact no professional footballer will be happy with, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Ampadu could impact what happens next with Longstaff.

As the winter window begins to draw close, the Englishman may then have a decision to make.

Sean Longstaff's exit route at Leeds outlined

Longstaff's possible departure from Elland Road will depend on whether the player himself seeks to leave.

The midfielder will not be happy with his current minutes, with the likes of Ethan Ampadu routinely selected ahead of him.

The Welshman's standing in Farke's squad could ultimately result in the Englishman asking to part ways.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I revealed: "I don’t think Leeds would be willing to let him leave in January unless it was a really big offer that came in.

"Daniel Farke will want to keep hold of his squad as he wants to continue their fine start to the season. It’s proving difficult for Longstaff to get more minutes because it’s hard to break into Daniel Farke’s starting XI right now as well.

"The only way a move would possibly happen for Longstaff would be if the player himself tried to push for a move away in search of regular first-team minutes.

"The midfield picks itself at the minute with Ampadu, Stach, Tanaka all ahead of Longstaff in the pecking order, but look, as I said, I don’t think Leeds will be actively pushing them out of the club in January.

"Daniel Farke will want to keep hold of the majority of his squad."

Farke has already told Longstaff how to turn things around

Longstaff's chances at Leeds are far from over, with Farke publicly telling him how to turn his fortunes around.

In his press conference ahead of Leeds' 4-1 win against Newcastle, the German said: "Whenever he gets a chance, like in the cup, to shine, it’s important he grabs those chances, or when he comes on into a Premier League game."

However, Longstaff may feel that point has so far been unfair, seeing as he only got eight minutes against Nottingham Forest, and two against Newcastle.

Hardly much time for the midfielder to grab his chance, especially with the Whites out of the Carabao Cup as well.