It has been a pretty major summer of change at Leeds United.
The Whites have so far allowed 16 players to depart Elland Road since the play-off final defeat to Southampton and that figure does not even include Liam Cooper.
Cooper’s departure is yet to be officially announced by Leeds but Daniel Farke did all but confirm he would not be signing the contract extension that was offered to him.
The 32-year-old had been approaching the 10-year mark at Leeds and his impending departure alongside Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling represents a changing of the guard at the club.
The trio had been part of Leeds’ leadership group for pretty much six years and they will all certainly be missed in the dressing room, particularly when the going gets tough.
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Daniel Farke makes Illan Meslier decision at Leeds
Given Cooper started just eight league games across the 2023/24 campaign, it wasn’t often he wore the armband at Leeds last season anyway.
Up until his injury on Boxing Day, Pascal Struijk had been the man to replace him. However, he missed the final six months of the season, allowing Ethan Ampadu to take over the role.
With Struijk now back fit, it had been unclear who would be leading the team into the new season but Leeds confirmed on Tuesday night that Ampadu has officially been named as club captain.
The 23-year-old is set to form a leadership group alongside both Struijk and Illan Meslier, who both will be assuming the position of vice-captain.
Struijk and Meslier are now two of Leeds’ longest serving players, with the former having joined from Ajax in 2018, and the latter a year later from Lorient.
Not one of those players are actually above the age of 24 but now have more than enough experience under their belts to step into the role.
Farke decision a huge hint on Meslier future
Meslier has been among the players linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, with Marseille interested.
It had been claimed Meslier was keen on a move to the South of France but rumours have gone quiet since reports of their initial interest emerged.
However, this latest move by Farke shows just how highly he values Meslier in his squad, having actually called him ‘world class‘ and the best goalkeeper in the league last season.
Farke would not have named him vice-captain if there were any doubts over his future and that should put any potential rumours to bed.
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