Leeds United are yet to agree on a new contract with Daniel Farke despite their intentions of offering him a new deal at the end of last season.
Farke did a brilliant job of helping Leeds comfortably avoid relegation in their first year back in the Premier League and finishing 14th in the Premier League table.
There has been talk of Leeds offering him a new three-year contract as a reward for his performances. However, no deal has been agreed upon yet.
Leeds and Farke are expected to hold more talks over a new deal in the next international break, and managing director Robbie Evans has now provided an update.
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Robbie Evans breaks silence on Daniel Farke’s contract situation
Evans has provided a detailed answer on what’s happening with Daniel Farke’s contract at the moment, and it seems clear that there is still no agreement.
The Leeds managing director revealed that they have been in talks for months, but no deal has been reached. However, he indicated that these things do take time and Ethan Ampadu’s new deal took a year to get finalised.
Evans told The Athletic: “First and foremost, Daniel’s done a fantastic job here, and we’re thrilled with the last couple of seasons. We want to keep it going, keep building the long-term project. And so we were trying to find a solution with him long-term.
“It’s also important to note for our supporters (that) the ongoing operating relationship between Daniel and Adam and myself has never been better. The level of collaboration and coordination this summer was truly excellent. Getting our top targets in, talking every day, it’s a testament to Adam and Daniel both. I know some might fear a deal not being done might cause things to fall apart behind the scenes, but it’s actually been the opposite of that.
“They’re really, really strong right now and delivering at a very, very high level.
“As for the contract discussions themselves, Daniel and I, Daniel’s team and I, have had really good chats for the last three months, and we’re all on the same page as far as what we want to accomplish: the long-term project.
“We simply haven’t got the deal done yet, but we’re working towards a solution. As broader context for people, extensions might feel like they are relatively straightforward because you’re both at the same company already, but I think of them as being quite difficult, even more than first-time signings because, unlike signing him back in 2023 or doing a deadline day deal, the time pressure is far reduced.
“We have the time to get it right as far as what he wants and what we want, and to deliver on that long-term project. I know it feels like it’s taking a long time, but Ethan (Ampadu)’s deal took over a year to get done.
“We tried to get it done last spring, and then last summer, and then last fall, and then in January, and it wasn’t done until June. Similarly, the Rodon, (Jayden) Bogle, Aaronson deals — all those guys took months to finish.
“I wouldn’t read into it taking us some time as a problem. It just means we’re trying to get it right because we have time to get it right. As long as we’re still operating together as a group, I’m not worried, and we’re doing great on that front.
“That’s the long answer. The short answer is he’s done great, we want him to be here long-term, and we’re working on it. And when there’s news, we’ll share it with you.”
A delay works for Daniel Farke, but not Leeds
Leeds are expected to sit down with Daniel Farke during the international break, with the two parties already understood to have reached an agreement in principle over a new deal.
Despite that, there does not appear to be any great urgency to get the paperwork completed and formally tie the German down to a new three-year contract. For Farke, that could actually work in his favour.
If Leeds continue to impress in the Premier League, his stock will only rise, particularly with other clubs keeping an eye on his work at Elland Road. The longer he remains without a new contract, the stronger his negotiating position becomes and the more leverage he could have to secure improved terms.
From the 49ers’ perspective, though, delaying the process seems like an unnecessary risk. Clubs with greater financial resources are beginning to take notice of what Farke has achieved at Leeds, and leaving the door open for them to make a move could eventually put the Whites in a difficult position.
