Leeds United are pursuing a long-term contract extension for manager Daniel Farke, with club officials confirming that both parties are in agreement on the direction of the project. Managing director Robbie Evans stated that discussions have been productive over the past three months, emphasizing that there is no urgency to rush a deal despite the current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Farke, who has overseen 153 games for the club with 76 victories, guided Leeds to Premier League survival in 14th place and an FA Cup semi-final appearance following their promotion in the 2024-25 campaign. Evans praised the German manager’s work, noting that the relaxed timeline allows the club to structure a deal that satisfies both Farke and the hierarchy.
“The short answer is that he’s done great, we want him to be here long-term and we’re working on it,” Evans said. He contrasted the current calm atmosphere with the high-pressure deadline day approaches used when initially signing Farke in 2023, adding that the lack of time pressure ensures the right terms are reached.
Beyond the managerial situation, Evans expressed satisfaction with the summer transfer window, describing it as both effective during the main period and strong on deadline day. The club secured England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a fee potentially rising to £45m, along with defensive reinforcements in Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi, and winger Harry Wilson from Fulham. Additional arrivals included Melvin Bard from Nice and Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The window also saw the departure of Netherlands international Pascal Struijk to Brighton in a deal reported to be worth £20m. The sale was crucial for compliance with financial regulations, which have transitioned from profit and sustainability rules to a squad-cost ratio system. Evans admitted he had anticipated multiple sales in June but credited the club’s FA Cup run and minimal January activity for limiting the necessary departures to just one player.
Survival and semis in the first year back. Shouldn’t we be demanding top-four ambitions by now?
Struijk to Brighton? I thought we’d lose more players with these new cost rules. Hope Evans knows what he’s doing.
James Trafford is a brilliant signing! Can’t wait to see him between the sticks next season.
Finally some sensible contract talks. No rushing means a proper deal, not a panic extension.