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Leeds United have confirmed that club captain Ethan Ampadu has signed a new four-year contract, allowing the management to turn their attention towards other crucial renewal matters within the squad.

As reported by local media in London, chairman Paraag Marathe revealed that Ampadu had agreed to fresh terms, replacing his previous contract that was valid until 2027 with an additional one-year option. The new deal secures his future at Elland Road until 2030, cementing his importance under manager Daniel Farke.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s situation is the most pressing. His current contract is set to expire within weeks. The 35-year-old, who joined Leeds in 2023 on a three-year deal, has become the first-choice keeper following Lucas Perri’s mistakes against Manchester United and Newcastle United. His brilliant reflex save against Wolverhampton Wanderers even earned a nomination for the Premier League’s Save of the Season. With Illan Meslier almost certain to depart and doubts surrounding Perri’s future, retaining Darlow appears to be a sensible move for the club.

Defender Pascal Struijk is another player facing a pivotal summer. Entering the final year of his deal, Struijk was a key figure last season, starting 33 Premier League games – a tally bettered only by Ampadu and Joe Rodon. His adaptability across both a back four and back three, particularly on the left side, has been invaluable. However, if he decides against signing an extension, Leeds will either need to sell him this summer or risk losing their vice-captain and only left-footed centre-back on a free transfer next year. Finding a suitable replacement within budget would be a major challenge.

Midfielder Brenden Aaronson also has just one year remaining on his five-year contract signed in 2022 after a £25 million move from RB Salzburg. Having endured a turbulent period that included relegation, a loan spell, and a Championship title, the American played a crucial role in Leeds’ 14th-place Premier League finish last season, registering four goals and five assists — the joint-second best tally in the team. Farke has consistently shown faith in him, and while a sale this summer could make financial sense ahead of a home World Cup that might boost his market value, Aaronson’s energy and work-rate continue to make him a valuable asset for the squad.