Leeds United gave Ethan Ampadu a new long-term contract at Elland Road after the end of the season. Club chairman Paraag Marathe revealed that there was no hesitation for the midfielder to sign the agreement.
The Whites know that there is a big summer ahead, but resolved a pressing issue.
Leeds know what lies ahead of them going into next season. The 49ers’ aim is to keep the club as a consistent Premier League side going forward; and next year will be crucial.
Surviving your first two to three seasons in the top flight after promotion sets you on the path to becoming a regular side.
Fulham, Bournemouth and Brighton have done this in the past few years.
This is why it will be important for the ownership to invest on the pitch and add enough quality for them to remain competitive.
Graham Smyth would be surprised if Leeds United star stays at Elland Road
It was revealed as the weeks went on that Leeds had contract offers on the table for players with expiring deals.
Illan Meslier was not offered one, as the club announced his departure after over five years in West Yorkshire. Alex Cairns also signed a new deal to remain at Elland Road.
Karl Darlow and Sam Byram are yet to put pen to paper as the date draws closer.
Darlow has been linked with a move away, but Byram’s situation is unclear as the summer progressed. Graham Smyth says he will be surprised if the defender decides to stay with the team.
“I think he will definitely be exploring his options to go and play.” he said on the Inside Elland Road podcast.
“I’d be surprised if he settles for a Carabao Cup game and may be a Premier League appearance or two.
“Unless he is ready to kind of essentially call time on his career, why’d you re-sign for the club?”
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Sam Byram’s situation could be similar to Alex Cairns
Byram made a total of five appearances last season – two in the Premier League, two in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Cup.
And the situation is not likely to change going into next year.
But fans must remember that not every player in the dressing room is there to be a regular. Alex Cairns signed a new deal because Leeds were happy to have him around the team.
He did not play last year, but was involved with the U21 side.
Byram could also choose to stay, be in and around the team and play when needed. Hopefully he does sing a new deal at Elland Road this summer.
