Leeds United’s contract situation is an intriguing one ahead of this summer, multiple players are nearing the final year of their Elland Road deals.
United’s status as a Premier League team could come down to the wire in the coming two months, meaning any decisions on the futures of players will have to wait.
As we look ahead to the summer, though, there are players with dwindling contracts. On top of those with expiring deals this June, there are players entering the final year shortly.
Leeds United contracts due to expire in 2026: Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns, Sam Byram
Four players are out of contract this summer, and their situations range from being virtually decided now, to being surely considered for extensions.
At one end of the spectrum, we’re surely seeing the last of Illan Meslier in a Leeds shirt. Having been replaced last season in the Championship run-in, Lucas Perri’s arrival meant the writing was on the wall for the Frenchman.
Elsewhere in the goalkeeper department, Leeds have two others with expiring deals. Starting 35-year-old Karl Darlow’s contract is up and is surely in line for an extension – he’s been superb since stepping up to a starting role 12 months ago. Alex Cairns’ role as third choice ‘keeper has been integral behind the scenes, and could be someone valuable to keep in the dressing room irrespective of our division next season.
The fourth name is Sam Byram. Now, Byram was fully deserving of his extension after our promotion. He’s finally got the chance to play Premier League football with his boyhood club. But, I’m expecting that this will be the final few months of Byram at Elland Road, unless we drop to the Championship and need depth.
Leeds United contracts due to expire in 2027
Then, those coming into the final 12 months of their Elland Road deals are interesting.
Some of Leeds’ most valuable and most regular starters have contracts worth the 49ers’ attention. Those include: captain Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, Brenden Aaronson, Ilia Gruev, Lukas Nmecha, and Joel Piroe.
With that comes some major decisions to be made on players’ exits, and retention of key talent as well. Leeds, regardless of division, will be asked questions by possible buyers on these players.
Namely, the performances of Ampadu and Struijk will be alerting clubs. Those in the market for a left-footed defender or an all-action No6 could smell a transfer for either.
Leeds United must tie down Ethan Ampadu to new contract as soon as possible
I’m not sure on what the club end up doing with Struijk. On the one hand, I’d be delighted to see him sign a new deal. If we stay up, he could be a crucial player for a side looking to kick on. On the other hand, with a year left, he could be sold for a significant sum and allow us to rebuild.
That said, one player who is simply a non-negotiable is Ampadu.
The club captain, Ampadu has been vital to Leeds stopping the rot after relegation and has gone from strength to strength in the top flight. That sort of influence and leadership is simply not something the club can entertain leaving.
I’m of the opinion that he’s our best signing since Raphinha. The way he’s grown into this captaincy has become so integral to our survival bid. In turn, it will allow him to keep growing into an even more special player going forward.
All of these decisions will come in due course when the club know what division we’ll be in. But, Ampadu has to be top of the agenda for a new deal.
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