Leeds United gave club captain Ethan Ampadu a contract extension as their first piece of major business this summer. Club chairman Paraag Marathe made it clear that it was a priority.
Ampadu is now tied down long term to the 49ers’ project. And in recent weeks, other teammates have followed his step.
Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle and Brenden Aaronson have all extended their contracts at Elland Road. Leeds have now tied down some of their most important first team players in one swoop.
The club is learning lessons from what happened at the end of last season.
Leeds United promotion hero set to join new club
After surviving their return to the top flight, Leeds United knew there was a lot of work ahead of them in the summer.
The club had expiring contracts they had to make decisions on ahead of the transfer window.
Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Sam Byram were four first team players with expiring contracts. Leeds decided against giving Meslier a new offer, but put forward proposals for the other three.
Darlow turned down a new deal to join Manchester United, after having no guarantees of first team football.
Alex Cairns decided to remain at Elland Road, and will once again be the reserve keeper this season. He spent some time with the U21s last year.
With months gone this summer, nothing concrete has emerged about Sam Byram. The defender seemed to be given a send-off in the final home game against Brighton, but he was given a new deal
According to The Northern Echo, Byram is close to signing for Championship side Middlesbrough.
It is believed he was in discussions to sign with his former club Norwich City before Boro won the race.
This update basically confirms that the 32-year old turned down a new contract to remain in West Yorkshire.
READ MORE: Premier League star wants Leeds United move as transfer deadline approaches – BBC Sport
Leeds need cover at fullback
Sam Byram officially leaving leaves the club with less depth in fullback areas.
Byram could play on either flank, and even though he barely featured last season, he was a solid depth option.
Leeds now have one less fullback that can replace Gabriel Gudmundsson when he goes down injured. James Justin filled the role in the first game of the season against Nottingham Forest.
But with Farke’s preference to use him on the right, it leaves no backup for Gudmundsson on the left.
The 49ers need to dip into the market ahead of the deadline to find suitable cover down the left flank.
