Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu's contract examined as sources speak out on release clause

Leeds United have tied Ethan Ampadu down to a long-term contract amid expected interest in the club captain this summer.

The Whites announced the news on Thursday, confirming that the Welshman had signed a new deal four-year deal at the club.

Ampadu is now contracted to Leeds until 2030, as the news sent a huge statement to interested clubs, amid a previous deal that only had 12 months left before expiry.

This was reportedly a major part of the 49ers' plans this summer, and it had been in the works for months to send out a message about the club's ambition.

However, despite a new and improved deal for Ampadu, some will still be concerned over a possible relegation release clause.

Sources confirm answer over possible Ethan Ampadu relegation clause in new contract

The plan for Leeds will be to build on what has been a successful first season back in the Premier League, and that starts with the transfer business this summer.

However, given the position that the Whites are in, Premier League safety is not going to be a guarantee for at least another few years, which makes contract talks more complicated.

While Daniel Farke has kept Leeds up this season, there is always a chance that the Whites could get relegated next campaign, and contracted players will want safety with relegation release clauses.

Thankfully, according to The Athletic, club sources have confirmed that there is no relegation release clause in Ampadu's fresh deal.

"Sources close" to the 25-year-old have even said that there were no discussions about relegation during contract talks at all.

So even in the event that Leeds were relegated next season, they would not face the risk of losing Ampadu for a cut-price deal.

Leeds hope to have Ampadu central to rebirth

Long-term plans at Leeds have Elland Road chiefs hopeful of a return to Europe and more.

While construction around the team will continue this summer and beyond, Ampadu is quite literally the heartbeat of the squad, as his age proves he's got plenty of room left to improve, too.

It's said that the Whites see him as an integral part of leading the club forward in its "rebirth" and hope he can lay down a new legacy in LS11.

It is a huge sign of ambition, above all, and is a massive step in the right direction, regardless of what else happens this window.