Leeds United announced a new contract for Wilfried Gnonto the day after the transfer window slammed shut to the delight of supporters, and are now eyeing another deal for another attacker.
It came completely out of the blue, did Gnonto’s new deal. The Italy star has signed a new contract until the summer of 2028, with fans buzzing that Gnonto has committed his future to Leeds moving forward.
But he is not the only player that Leeds are likely to be looking to keep, and agree a new deal for. Junior Firpo has created the most Championship assists since the start of 2024, but his deal ends next summer.
Leeds will have to agree a new deal before January for Firpo, or risk the left-back agreeing a pre-contract deal with a non-English side. Illan Meslier is said to want a release clause in his deal if he is to sign on.
The 49ers identify priority contract, but it must be a pay cut
Now 31, Patrick Bamford has endured a difficult few years. The one-time England man has been unable to replicate the success of 2020-21 under Marcelo Bielsa when he had a hand in 25 Premier League goals.
Injuries have taken their toll and once again, unsurprisingly, Bamford has just returned from a hamstring issue. Ben Jacobs says that Leeds and The 49ers have identified a new deal for Bamford as a ‘priority’.
Bamford has two years left on his contract, a deal that makes him one of the club’s highest-paid players. Even after every player suffered relegation wage clauses, he is still likely to be on north of £30,000 a week.
Leeds must realign Bamford’s wages with his importance to side
Phil Hay said on The Athletic that most player’s wages had been reduced by 50%, and Bamford was said to be on £70,000 a week in the Premier League. That wage was one of Leeds’ biggest in the top tier.
Bamford is struggling to prove that he is worth even half of that right now and given he is only getting older, Leeds need to arrange a pay cut with Bamford if he is to sign on and remain beyond 2026.
Leeds fans will question the need to tie Bamford down to a new contract. But, they will understand a decision to renew Bamford’s terms if his wages are reduced and that is the play The 49ers must make.
His wages must be realigned with the rest of the squad and the role he now plays, which is as back-up to Mateo Joseph and possibly even third choice behind Joel Piroe, after his goal against Hull City.
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