How Leeds can secure their next version of Ethan Ampadu for Farke

With just one day to go until Leeds United’s first game of the new Premier League campaign, the supporters are optimistic that the 2026/27 season can be one to remember.

Daniel Farke has been handed over £85m worth of funds to improve his senior ranks, with the likes of Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford all arriving at Elland Road.

All three could well start the season opener against Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon, as the Whites look to make the perfect start to the new campaign.

However, it’s almost certain one other player within the club’s senior ranks will start, with Farke seeing the player as a vital component of his three-back system.

Why Ampadu is Leeds’ best signing under Farke

After Farke’s arrival as Leeds boss back in the summer of 2023, he completed the signing of versatile midfielder Ethan Ampadu for just £7m from Chelsea.

The Welsh international was the German’s first addition at Elland Road, but arguably his best, with the 25-year-old often a regular starter regardless of the manager’s system.

He’s since become the Whites’ club captain in Yorkshire, further highlighting his importance to the manager and showcasing his leadership qualities at the heart of the midfield.

Ampadu has racked up 126 appearances across his three seasons at Leeds, with the Welsh star now forming an incredible partnership with Anton Stach at the heart of the side.

His ability to sit in front of the backline and break up the play, as seen by his tally of 2.3 tackles made per 90 last season, allows the German to advance into attacking areas and cause carnage.

However, even in possession, Ampadu also caught the eye last term, subsequently making 7.2 line-breaking passes per 90 – ranking him above 75% of midfielders in the division.

£7m for a player of his calibre has proven to be a remarkable piece of business for the Whites, with the Welsh star undoubtedly exceeding all expectations placed upon him at Elland Road.

How Farke can land his next Ampadu this summer

With just 11 days remaining in the transfer window, Farke and the 49ers will have to work quickly in the market if they are to add further quality into the senior ranks.

Marseille attacker Igor Paixao has constantly been mentioned as a possible transfer target for Leeds, but no deal has yet been agreed for the Brazilian forward.

However, fresh rumours have been circling over the last few days, with Chelsea star Liam Delap once again being touted with a big-money move to Elland Road.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Whites have been holding fresh talks with Xabi Alonso’s men over a potential deal to sign the English centre-forward.

The report also states that competition for his signature is set to be high before the end of the window, as Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United both line up moves for the 23-year-old.

However, any interested party will likely have to pay a pretty penny, as the Blues are said to be demanding at least £40m to allow the attacker to depart Stamford Bridge.

Whilst it may appear to be yet another expensive deal for the 49ers this summer, it’s a move which could hand the manager another key attacking option in forward areas.

Delap would emulate Ampadu in moving to Elland Road after failing to nail down a regular starting role at Chelsea – subsequently taking his career to the next level after such a move.

It’s safe to say the attacker’s spell in West London last year was one to forget, as he only netted one league goal – as the Blues failed to secure European qualification.

Ampadu suffered a similar fate during his own time in West London, as he only made 12 senior appearances for the Blues after joining from Exeter City at just 17.

However, Delap has previously showcased his ability to deliver the goods in England’s top-flight, subsequently netting 12 goals for Ipswich Town as they suffered relegation in 2024/25.

It’s clear he’s a confidence player, and he was unable to have a manager who could get the best out of his skillset last term – but that could all change in Yorkshire.

Farke demonstrated with Dominic Calvert-Lewin last season that he can resurrect a player’s career at Elland Road – with the hope he can do the same with Delap should he complete a move this window.

£40m would be an expensive deal on the face of it, but it could prove to be a superb piece of business should he get anywhere near the levels of Ampadu at Elland Road.