The 49ers’ next new contract can only be for one Leeds United player after Jamie Carragher praise

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The international break often allows a club to take stock of its squad and the future of some players, and Leeds United are no different after the drama of the transfer window.

The focus of Adam Underwood, Robbie Evans and the transfer team at Elland Road was on the window. Rightly so, but with the window now slamming shut, Leeds need to pay attention to Daniel Farke’s squad.

Last season, immediately after the transfer window, Leeds handed Willy Gnonto a new contract despite doing deals for Isaac Schmidt and Ao Tanaka on the final day. This month, no new deals have emerged.

Gnonto is now on a long-term deal, while the majority of signings have been given contracts that exceed 2027. Lukas Nmecha is the only new signing to see his contract expire in the space of just two seasons.

• READ MORE: Leeds make Premier League striker a January priority, he will cost £40m

Which players see their deals expire in June 2026 and 2027?

Leeds are in no danger of waving goodbye to players currently contracted to Leeds until June 2028. Leeds have six in 2028 – Joe Rodon, Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle, Gnonto, Jack Harrison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Beneath that, concern is starting. Leeds have four contracts expiring in June 2026 and six more in 2027. By the time the next window opens, those contracted until 2027 will enter the final 18 months of their deals.

The four players that see their deals expire in 2026 are, perhaps, unlikely to be deemed priorities and may not see their deals extended. They are Alex Cairns, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram and of course, Illan Meslier.

So surely, the next Leeds player to earn a big contract has got to be someone who is out of contract in 2027. The most-important of those players is captain Ethan Ampadu. Arguably, Leeds’ best player.

Jamie Carragher praise highlights need for Ethan Ampadu deal

When it comes to a Championship side standing any chance of establishing themselves as a Premier League club, major investment is required. But it cannot be every single player, overhauled by recruits.

There needs to be a sense of identity, a player that fans can relate to and in this Leeds side, it is Ampadu. He’s been there since the new era of Leeds under boss Farke, the very first signing made by the German.

But Leeds fans relate to Ampadu as a player, too. Tough, hard-working, a leader. Jamie Carragher said Ampadu was the best player on the pitch against Everton, before he was taken off through injury.

There will be interest in Ampadu, given he is still only 24 and has plenty of experience both with club and country. Leeds have got to hand Ampadu a long-term deal as soon as possible, before it is too late.