Wilfried Gnonto’s contract extension at Leeds United was a fitting conclusion to the transfer window. Announced just hours after the 11 pm deadline last Friday, the deal put an end to any speculation about his future.
This summer saw numerous issues with release clauses, but Gnonto’s new contract reportedly lacks such clauses, signaling his strong commitment to Elland Road. He is now signed for the next four years, potentially marking the beginning of contract discussions for other players in the coming weeks.
Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are both set to be out of contract next summer, while Dan James, Illan Meslier, Patrick Bamford, and Karl Darlow have less than two years remaining on theirs. If Leeds secure promotion this season, the 49ers might need to make tough decisions about who to offer new contracts.
While Meslier and James have shown potential resale value, Bamford’s recent struggles with form and fitness raise concerns. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, despite these issues, Leeds view Bamford as a contract priority. Jacobs noted that Bamford is happy at Leeds and willing to extend his stay, emphasizing his loyalty and willingness to remain in the Championship if necessary.
However, the key considerations for Leeds will be Bamford’s ability to stay fit and whether they should offer a long-term deal given his injury history. Handing Bamford a new contract could be seen as a misstep, considering his current injury woes. Bamford, who joined Leeds for £7 million from Middlesbrough in 2018, has been a valuable asset but is now behind Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe in the pecking order. If Leeds are promoted, they might find better options in the Premier League and should consider moving Bamford on while they can still secure a fee.
