Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Fri 25 April 2025 7:28, UK

Leeds United lost out on several of their talented array of players when they failed to achieve promotion to the Premier League last season.

The Whites had to sit and watch Archie Gray head to Tottenham Hotspur; Georginio Rutter move to Brighton & Hove Albion; Luis Sinisterra leave for AFC Bournemouth.

But one of the exits which stung the most was that of Crysencio Summerville, who joined West Ham United but has struggled to get going this season while the Whites managed to achieve their goal under Daniel Farke.

Now, West Ham are back for more, even despite Leeds’ promotion at the second time of asking.

West Ham want summer swoop for Leeds United pair

Leeds will be eager to splash the cash and secure a capable squad ready for the marathon of the Premier League.

Whether it is Farke or another manager leading the troops, the pressure is on the shoulders of the regime at Elland Road to ensure the Whites avoid becoming the latest statistic of a promoted club heading straight back to the Championship this time next year.

They will be keen, in that case, to retain some of their most important players and the likes of West Ham could even turn out to be close rivals within the next year.

According to ExWHUemployee via the West Ham Way website (24 April), the Hammers have both captain Ethan Ampadu and talented forward Mateo Joseph on their radar.

Joseph was entrusted by Farke with the leading striker berth early on in the season due to his potential, while captain Ampadu’s impact on the dressing room and midfield at Elland Road speaks for itself.

“Burnley’s promotion is not ideal for our targets from the club,” the London Stadium source said.

“The same can be said for Leeds, where we also liked Mateo Joseph and Ethan Ampadu.”

49ers Enterprises know ambition is key this summer

Paraag Marathe and his ownership regime at Leeds are fully aware of the expectations from supporters next term.

Within the next 12 months, 17th place will do – it would represent establishment in the division ready to build and progress. But promoted clubs have shown in the last two years that this has become increasingly easier said than done.

Marathe’s 49ers Enterprises group have been strongly linked this week with sacking Farke despite him earning promotion, with a potential desire to employ a leader more equipped in the Premier League.

Whether or not this occurs or whatever your individual opinion may be on the matter, Leeds must be ambitious in the same way regarding their squad – and that means not letting your captain head to West Ham.

Leeds will be working hard to build a capable set of players this summer, but dressing room influences like Ampadu are key. Joseph could be a player for whom bids are entertained at Elland Road, though they turned down a late winter bid from Real Betis of £10million earlier this year.