Leeds United have been tasked with a very difficult summer from the start. When the team managed to survive relegation, that is when the real work began.
Newly-promoted clubs who avoid the drop in their first season tend to struggle in the following one.
It happened to Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa; after their inspiring return to the top flight, things went bad the next year. The Argentine was sacked and the team won safety in the final weeks.
However, they could not repeat the same trick, and went back down to the Championship in 2023.
Ethan Ampadu speaks about Leeds United future
The first piece of business by the 49ers in this window was to tie Leeds United club captain down to a new deal.
After his impressive campaign on their return to the Premier League, many clubs were sniffing around Ampadu, who then had one year on his contract. Club chairman Paraag Marathe said there was no hesitation when both sides discussed their future.
The midfielder was 100% committed to the project. Leeds’ captain sat down in an interview this week.
He spoke about the days leading to signing a new contract to remain at Elland Road, and the fact that he briefly considered other options.
“Everyone could always get to a point where they might have some interest,” Ampadu told The Athletic.
“But I wanted to renew here. I am very excited about where this club could go. I was focused on that rather than taking an interest in what else was out there.”
Ethan Ampadu is tied down to the club until 2030, and will be key in the 49ers ambition going forward.
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Ampadu’s decision is a huge win for the 49ers
Many may not have read much into the decision at the time, but Ampadu choosing to renew speaks volumes.
He was coming off a great season in the Premier League, and there were concrete reports of interest from other clubs in the division.
With one year left on his contract, he could have not signed and opted out like Pascal Struijk did. But he chose to stay on as the captain and leader of the team for the future.
This project has grown since they were relegate a few seasons ago.
Now the fans are witnessing a new era. Leeds can now sign top quality players for record fees, and attract free agent targets like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson. The future is bright at Elland Road.
