Alongside bringing in seven new faces this summer, the 49ers also made sure to offer contract extensions to numerous Leeds United players.
Ethan Ampadu, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson all agreed fresh terms at Elland Road to extend their stay in West Yorkshire.
Daniel Farke’s current deal expires at the end of the season. But it seems as if it is only a matter of time before he, too, signs a new deal.
Now, reports suggest United have started making progress when it comes to extending the contract of another one of their most valuable assets.
Leeds begin to make breakthrough in Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract talks
A few weeks ago now, shocking reports emerged that Man United were looking at Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Reports claimed this was ahead of a potential deal in January.
However, this move has been made even less likely recently following the sacking of Michael Carrick.
It was reassuring for Leeds United supporters that more reports swiftly emerged after the links between Calvert-Lewin and Man United. They suggested that the Whites were planning on offering their talisman a new deal.
Now, Leeds Live have reported that the 49ers are making progress when it comes to tying Calvert-Lewin down for the long term.
The Englishman’s current contract expires in the summer of 2028. Although nothing has been agreed yet, talks are progressing between the club and the player.
The report also insists that there is still rival interest in Calvert-Lewin. However, from the player’s perspective, the new terms that he has been offered are seen as favourable.
The striker is already one of the top earners at the club. Naturally though, any extension would see Calvert-Lewin net a pay rise. After netting 15 goals in all competitions last season, as well as another five so far this season, it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve it.
Fantastic planning from the 49ers
Although there is still effectively a season and a half on Calvert-Lewin’s deal, offering him an extension is a no-brainer.
It’s no surprise, since his move to Elland Road from Everton, that his form has captured the attention of other clubs.
So if Calvert-Lewin does sign a new deal, any other club would have to pay an absolute fortune to buy him from us. Premier League-proven goalscorers who are at the peak of their powers don’t just grow on trees.
At 29, any new deal Calvert-Lewin signs essentially means that unless someone stumps up £40-50million for him and we have to sell, the England international will be spending the rest of his prime years in West Yorkshire.
With over a year left on his current contract, technically, the 49ers could hold off on any extension talks.
But for the here and now, there’s nobody better suited to lead the line for Leeds United than Calvert-Lewin. The 49ers are well aware of this.
So, their proactiveness will likely ensure we can continue to build our team around the target man as we look to continue to climb up the Premier League.
