Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu contract discussions brings further questions

Leeds United have tied Ethan Ampadu down to a new contract, which is a smart play by the Elland Road side.

The Welsh international has been a key asset for Daniel Farke throughout the last few years, and has stepped up to the Premier League in excellent fash

His performances have led to interest from within the top flight, so being able to keep him in LS11 is a real show of intent.

Leeds will want to avoid the deja vu of their last Premier League run, which saw them get relegated in their second season back at the top of the English pyramid.

However, the Whites may have left themselves open to looking like fools amid new revelations over discussions.

Why Leeds could be made to look like fools over Ethan Ampadu contract

Leeds have not included a relegation release clause in Ampadu's contract and according to The Athletic, "relegation was not discussed as part of the talks".

With no talk of relegation, that also implies that a relegation clause in terms of wages may not have been included either.

If this is the case, as seemingly implied by the wording, then it would be starkly different to the approach the Whites went by in 2023.

Back then, The Athletic confirmed that every Leeds player would see their wages drop by a "minimum of 50 per cent and maximum of 60 per cent."

It is a financial backbone for clubs to fall on, and while the ambition is to avoid relegation, it does not mean it cannot happen.

During Marcelo Bielsa's time, the Whites finished in the top half - ninth place - in the first season back in the Premier League; however, they were then subsequently relegated the following campaign.

If there were zero discussions on anything related to relegation, Leeds may be flying too close to the sun this time around.

While relegation may not have been a topic of conversation, it would seem unusual for a club preparing for a Premier League campaign not to have safeguards in place should the worst happen.

Could Leeds cope with Ampadu on full wages in the Championship?

If it is the case that a relegation wage clause was inserted into his new terms, the Whites may be able to deal with it in the short-term if the unfortunate happens

West Ham are currently looking to keep Jarrod Bowen on his Premier League salary in order to convince him to remain in East London and push for promotion.

If the Whites follow the trajectory of their 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, and deja vu strikes, they may be able to cope with Ampadu on an increased salary for at least one season.

However, instant promotion would likely be the goal, and the damage would be minimal if achieved.