Leeds United plan for future without Ethan Ampadu after Hayden Hackney transfer latest
Leeds United will arguably be expecting to face enquiries about Ethan Ampadu in the summer transfer window.
The Whites look confident about avoiding Premier League relegation this season, and their captain has played a pivotal role in their campaign.
Against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on 15 February, the midfielder’s absence from the starting lineup was clear, forcing Daniel Farke to bring him on immediately after the break, with the Peacocks going on to win the fixture after a penalty shootout.
The Wales international’s importance at the West Yorkshire outfit is evident, as shown in the Sofascore graphic below, but they may have to plan for a future without him.
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Hayden Hackney priority emerges at Leeds United
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has emerged as a priority for Leeds in the summer.
It’s been reported that the Whites are admirers of the 23-year-old and want to sign him at the end of the season if they maintain their Premier League status.
Boro want over £30million for the England Under-21 international, and their failure to win promotion from the Championship could be pivotal in his decision to move in the coming months.
Farke has plenty of depth in his engine room at Elland Road, but some players could potentially seek a move to a top side sooner rather than later.
Ampadu moved to the West Yorkshire outfit from Chelsea in 2023 and has since developed into a Premier League-quality player.
As things stand, the 25-year-old’s current contract with the Peacocks expires in 2027, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them cash in on him and sign Hackney.
49ers Enterprises play with fire at Elland Road
Ampadu isn’t the only player who will enter the final year of his contract at Leeds at the end of the season.
The Whites have some key players on deals which are set to expire in 2027, including Pascal Struijk, Ilia Gruev and Brenden Aaronson.
| Player | Contract until |
| Karl Darlow | 2026 |
| Alex Cairns | 2026 |
| Illan Meslier | 2026 |
| Sam Byram | 2026 |
| Lukas Nmecha | 2027 |
| Joel Piroe | 2027 |
| Ilia Gruev | 2027 |
| Ethan Ampadu | 2027 |
| Brenden Aaronson | 2027 |
| Pascal Struijk | 2027 |
With the quartet playing a key role for Farke this season, 49ers Enterprises must ensure they quickly secure their futures in West Yorkshire.
The Peacocks risk losing influential members of their squad for free if they aren’t proactive about the contract situation.
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