Exclusive:Leeds United legend's verdict on three big contract decisions including Pascal Struijk
Leeds United will have some big decisions to make on the future of current key players.
Jermaine Beckford is desperate for three Leeds United stars to stay at Elland Road as important contract decisions edge closer.
Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk will both enter the final 12 months of their respective deals this summer, a point at which clubs usually decide whether to extend terms or cash in. Contract talks are expected to be a priority on both fronts, particularly club captain Ampadu who has been outstanding all season.
Struijk’s future will be a point of discussion this summer, given his contract situation and the chance for Leeds - who chairman Paraag Marathe recently admitted will sell - to generate significant profit. But Beckford has cast a vote for continuity in both areas.
“Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu, both of them have been absolutely fantastic this season,” the former Leeds striker told the YEP, via BetGoodwin. “You look at the strides they both made, the level of quality of performance they both put in, how robust both of them seem to be.
“I want to see them both stay. I desperately want to see them both stay. Ampadu has been unbelievable, he's leading by example on and off the pitch, not only with his vocal ability but his physical ability, putting himself on the line.
“We saw a week or two ago where he got kicked in the head, the bravery he shows. If he's on the pitch and he's doing that, everybody else has to knuckle down and work their socks off as well.”
Leeds United Karl Darlow contract decision needed
Elland Road chiefs have a more urgent first-team contract decision to make in goal. Karl Darlow’s deal expires this summer after a second consecutive campaign in which he’s stepped into the No.1 role and settled things down impressively.
Illan Meslier is almost certain to leave on a free transfer this summer while Alex Cairns’ deal also expires, leaving only Lucas Perri going into next season as things stand. Farke recently dodged questions over any contract talks but suggested to ‘read between the lines’ surrounding his ‘fantastic’ Welsh goalkeeper.
“I would love to see Karl Darlow sign on for another year or two,” Beckford added. “I think he's been fantastic since he came in after the cup games, the early cup games.
“I think Lucas Perri did all right, but a couple of mistakes forced Daniel Farke’s hand. I would like to see him sign on. Illan Meslier, obviously his contract has come to its conclusion, so we need another goalkeeper in anyway.”