Leeds United handed major boost as 'instrumental' captain Ethan Ampadu pens new contract
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe confirms new contract for Whites captain Ethan Ampadu
Leeds United have tied captain Ethan Ampadu to a new contract, according to Whites chairman Paraag Marathe.
The 25-year-old midfield anchor arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2023, sealing a move from Chelsea for a reported £7m.
He has proven to be an incredibly shrewd signing, endearing himself to supporters with his impressive blend of grit and technical proficiency.
After making 126 appearances across three full seasons in West Yorkshire, the Wales international has been rewarded with a contract extension. He was due to see his deal run out in the summer of 2027 but is now under contract in LS11 until 2030.
Ethan Ampadu pens new Leeds United contract
As reported by our sister site the Yorkshire Evening Post, Marathe said: “Ethan has signed an extension and we've got him locked up for four years. T's crossed and I's dotted, it's all done.
“Ethan was so instrumental for our whole year, and he's such a captain on and off the pitch. Everything he does is true leadership.
“He's sort of almost like one of us on the pitch, but he's also one of the guys. We all thought it was such an important first step for this upcoming window."
Ethan Ampadu’s career path
Ampadu cut his teeth in Exeter City’s academy and made his first-team debut for the Grecians at the tender age of 15. He was tracked by a raft of Premier League clubs but it was Chelsea who struck a deal to sign him.
Senior opportunities proved limited at Stamford Bridge and he was loaned out to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.
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He suffered relegation from the Premier League with the Blades before dropping out of Serie A with both Venezia and Spezia.
More heartbreak followed when Leeds were beaten in the 2024 Championship play-off final, but Ampadu finally got his celebration when the Whites clinched the second-tier title last year.
He has since established himself as one of the club’s most important Premier League figures and is arguably manager Daniel Farke’s most trusted lieutenant.