NafisaLeeds United supporters know better than most that survival in the Premier League is only the beginning of the challenge. Staying in the division often requires a completely different level of planning, recruitment and squad evolution compared to simply earning promotion.
Over the years, many newly-promoted clubs have discovered that maintaining momentum after a successful campaign can be just as difficult as achieving it in the first place. That is why every summer becomes crucial, especially when the margins between success and struggle are so small at the top level.
The Whites managed to exceed plenty of expectations last season. Not only did they avoid an immediate return to the Championship, but they also established themselves comfortably above several clubs with significantly more Premier League experience.
However, nobody inside Elland Road appears to be getting carried away.
Daniel Farke and the recruitment team understand there is still considerable work to do if Leeds are to continue progressing and avoid becoming embroiled in another survival battle.
Before any major additions arrive, though, the club has already completed one piece of business that many view as equally important as any new signing.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praises Leeds contract breakthrough
Former Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the club have already secured a hugely significant boost by tying captain Ethan Ampadu down to a new long-term contract.
Leeds recently confirmed that Ampadu had agreed fresh terms, extending his stay at Elland Road until the summer of 2030.
The agreement had reportedly been one of the club’s major priorities heading into the summer, and it now allows attention to shift towards strengthening the squad in key areas.
While negotiations continue regarding the futures of other players, including Karl Darlow, Leeds are increasingly focused on bringing fresh faces through the door.
Recruitment plans gathering pace
The transfer window is expected to be an important one for Leeds as they prepare for a second consecutive Premier League campaign.
Operating within the constraints of the league’s new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations, the club are attempting to balance ambition with financial responsibility.
Several positions remain under review.
A new goalkeeper could become a necessity, particularly if Darlow departs following interest from elsewhere.
Defensive reinforcements are also being explored, while additional creativity and attacking depth remain high on the agenda for the recruitment team.
Farke is believed to be targeting players capable of immediately improving the starting eleven while also adding greater competition throughout the squad.
Hasselbaink identifies key priorities
Speaking to 10bet, Hasselbaink first highlighted the importance of securing Ampadu’s future.
“He’s the captain. Very important, very good. He’s a proper leader. He can play centre-half, he can play in midfield. Yeah, very smooth business, very well done and very important.
“I think they need more quality in depth. Dominic Calvert-Lewin did magnificently well upfront, but I think they need right and left wingers who can really deliver. Maybe a little bit more power in midfield, too. And a goalkeeper—the goalkeeper they took from France didn’t really work out. Karl Darlow took over and did exceptionally well, but I think they need to strengthen permanently in that area.”
Wide areas could become major focus
Hasselbaink’s comments underline a growing belief that Leeds may need additional firepower from wide positions if they want to take another step forward.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin received praise for his performances through the middle, supplying him consistently remains equally important.
The modern Premier League increasingly rewards teams that possess pace, creativity and end product from both flanks, and Leeds could look to address exactly that during the coming weeks.
Adding one winger would strengthen competition, but bringing in two genuine wide threats could completely transform the attacking options available to Farke.
Ampadu deal gives Leeds strong foundation
Amid all the speculation surrounding arrivals and departures, the retention of key figures remains just as valuable.
Ampadu has become one of the most influential players in the squad since arriving at Leeds, providing leadership, versatility and consistency whether deployed in midfield or defence.
Securing his future removes a major uncertainty and gives the club a solid platform from which to continue building.
Now, with that piece of business completed, Leeds can fully concentrate on improving the squad depth that many believe will be essential if they are to continue climbing the Premier League table rather than simply looking over their shoulder next season.
Nafisa
