adminLeeds United made securing the future of club captain Ethan Ampadu their top priority this summer, handing him a new contract in a move that was widely welcomed by supporters.
Many fans expected that agreement to be the first of several contract renewals following the end of last season.
A number of first-team players either entered the final 12 months of their contracts or saw their deals expire. Illan Meslier was not offered fresh terms, bringing his lengthy spell at Elland Road to an end.
Meanwhile, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns were all presented with new offers, but only Cairns accepted, extending his stay with the Whites.
Darlow instead opted to join Manchester United on a free transfer, while Byram’s future remains uncertain, with the experienced full-back free to negotiate with other clubs.
Pascal Struijk was also offered a new contract but chose to reject it before completing a move to Brighton, having entered the final year of his Leeds deal.
Attention has now shifted to another important member of Daniel Farke’s squad. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Leeds are preparing to begin contract discussions with midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Aaronson, who still has two years remaining on his current deal, is among several players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2027, alongside Joe Gelhardt, Ilia Gruev, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe. All five players are currently part of Leeds’ pre-season tour in the United States.
The American international featured in 42 matches across all competitions last season, scoring four goals and registering five assists.
Reports suggest Aaronson is open to committing his future to Leeds, with the upcoming talks expected to gauge his willingness to remain at Elland Road rather than finalize a new agreement immediately.
At this stage, no decision has been reached, and negotiations are still in the early stages.
Despite dividing opinion among sections of the Leeds fanbase since arriving for a significant transfer fee, Aaronson continues to enjoy the full backing of head coach Daniel Farke.
Some supporters still question whether the 25-year-old has the quality to play a major role for the club, but Farke has consistently defended him and values his work ethic, tactical discipline and versatility.
Last season, Aaronson operated in several positions, including on the right wing before moving into a more central midfield role. His nine goal contributions highlighted his importance to the team, outperforming some of Leeds’ attacking players.
With Farke remaining a strong admirer of the midfielder, the manager’s confidence in Aaronson could prove crucial as Leeds look to secure his long-term future with a new contract.
admin
