Leeds United make ‘significant’ move as transfer interest grows in Ethan Ampadu
Leeds United may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of captain and key midfielder Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu has been a standout player for Leeds this season and is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Daniel Farke.
The Welsh international has started every single Premier League game he has been available for this term, missing just three matches in total.
However, his impressive form is catching the attention of teams around Europe, which has forced the Whites to make a new decision.
Leeds United to open contract talks with Ethan Ampadu
Leeds signed Ampadu from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of just £7million.
The Exeter City academy graduate has more than proved his worth since then, captaining Farke’s side to the Championship title last season.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds are now set to open talks with Ampadu regarding a new deal in the coming weeks.
The 25-year-old is attracting interest from several Premier League sides, as well as clubs across Europe, but the Elland Road outfit have no intention of letting him leave.
Instead, Leeds are prepared to hand Ampadu a new contract that will significantly increase his wages, and there is confidence that the midfielder is ready to accept.
He currently earns around £40,000, but will get a huge pay rise in return for committing his future to the Whites.
Leeds are worried about Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu’s current contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning that interested clubs are beginning to track the situation more closely.
The Whites will be desperate to ensure that the Welshman doesn’t enter the final year of his deal at Elland Road, as he could then decide to run down his contract.
Leeds are clearly wary of the interest in Ampadu, and are beginning to worry that his head might be turned.
However, if the former Chelsea man does pen a new deal in the next few weeks, it will halt any rumours of his potential exit.
Leeds will be looking to strengthen their ranks in the summer as they continue their quest to become an established Premier League side, but first, they must make sure that their current players are secured for the future.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.