When Leeds United were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2022-23 season, there was a reason some Leeds players were sad – and not simply failing to keep the club in the Premier League.
Phil Hay reported on The Athletic at the time that Victor Orta had included clauses in the contracts of the Leeds players that would see their wages drop between 50 and 60%. A huge pay cut for the playing staff.
According to Capology, Patrick Bamford was Leeds’ top earner during the 22-23 season of the players that remained after relegation. A weekly wage of £70,000 a week, after signing a five-year deal in 2021.
If indeed, the one-time England man was truly on around £70,000 a week during 2022-23 – that was cut to at least £35,000 a week in the Championship. Now, the Leeds squad have been given pay rises, again.
How much Leeds’ wage bill will increase after winning promotion
Daniel Farke has guided Leeds back into the Premier League. After the win over Bristol City on Monday, The Whites could even win the title on Saturday – as long as they match Burnley’s result against Millwall.
According to Beren Cross on The Athletic, the Leeds squad will now receive wage rises with promotion now secured. It will see every member will receive a 50-60% wage rise, like the drop after relegation.
Bamford, as an example, will go back up to £70,000 a week with a year remaining on the striker’s deal. It may mean The 49ers have a decision to make regarding the future of a couple of players, like Bamford.
Who will be Leeds top earners going into the Premier League…
According to Salary Sport this season, Bamford is on £40,000. Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon are next on deals above £30,000 a whole many players are currently on £30,000 exactly. This will double, or more.
Wages above £25,000 according to Salary Sport, and how much players will be on after 50-60% rises:
| Name | 2024-25 wage | 2025-26 wage, with 50% increase (could be 60%) |
| Patrick Bamford | £40,000 | £80,000 |
| Ethan Ampadu | £37,000 | £74,000 |
| Joe Rodon | £32,000 | £64,000 |
| Ao Tanaka | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Joel Piroe | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Junior Firpo | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Dan James | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Karl Darlow | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Ilia Gruev | £26,000 | £52,000 |
These players have seen their wages go from half or less, back up to what is likely to be similar to their previous Premier League wage. But, Leeds will have decisions to make on those now on massive wages.
Bamford is clearly, not a £70,000 or £80,000-a-week player. Graham Smyth expects Bamford to leave the club this summer, with his contract due to end in 2026. But he is a player that boasts top-tier experience.
You could also argue, despite his form in the last seven games, that Darlow does not deserve to be on a huge £60,000. Junior Firpo’s wage could be removed if Leeds choose not to hand the defender a contract.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
