Despite all of his success, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke still seems to split opinion among the fanbase.
Under the German, we have won promotion to the Premier League and finished comfortably in mid-table upon our return to the top flight. We also look as if we will do the same this season. In addition to this, we also reached an FA Cup semi-final last season.
Following our 0-0 draw with Sunderland, there seemed to be a very vocal portion of the fanbase who were critical of our style of play. They claimed that Farke looks to have taken us as far as he can.
The other portion’s reply to this criticism is that it is only our second season back in the Premier League. Farke’s done an incredible job. We have a squad that is capable of finishing mid-table, and that is where it looks as though we will ultimately end up. I tend to agree more with this way of thinking.
However, whether you like or loathe Farke, it looks as if he will be here to stay. But a sensational claim has just been made regarding Farke’s new deal.
Daniel Farke reportedly has ‘escape plan’ in his new contract
According to reports, Farke’s new contract has been agreed in principle. It will keep the German in West Yorkshire until 2029.
Whilst it hasn’t officially been confirmed yet, all the signs are that it is a done deal. For me, it’s a perfect contract length for the German.
By 2029, we should be a fully established Premier League outfit. Then we can decide whether or not Farke is the man to take us to that next level.
However, according to reports from Football Insider, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has claimed that Farke has reportedly used interest from RB Leipzig to get a release clause in his new deal.
“From Farke’s point of view, RB Leipzig were interested in talking to him as well. So there’s interest there that he managed to get some pressure, probably to try and squeeze the club a bit to make a decision.
“But in the same way that Leeds have extended him, they know that only two and a half years, if things went wrong, they can get rid of him at a reasonable cost as well,” Wyness said.
“And at the same time, he’s now got a reasonable escape clause that the compensation won’t be that bad.”
Firstly, I don’t believe these claims until they are confirmed by a more reliable source closer to the situation when Farke’s extension is actually announced.
But in terms of Farke having an “escape clause”, there is no reason for us to worry about the German leaving.
Why we don’t have to worry about Daniel Farke leaving
For as much as I love Farke, I mean this with all due respect. The Leeds job is very likely to be the biggest one he’ll get in his entire career. I just cannot see him leaving it unless he is sacked by the club.
The Premier League is where every manager wants to be. In Leeds, Farke is at a highly ambitious club that, under the 49ers, is eventually aiming to get back into Europe.
He’s not leaving all this behind to go and manage in the Bundesliga. Unless Bayern Munich come knocking, which is unlikely.
Although Farke has done an amazing job, he’s not like he’s this manager who is way too good for us. He still has areas he needs to improve on, such as fully utilising his entire squad. At this moment in time, we’re a perfect match for each other.
Also, when listening to Farke’s press conferences, it’s clear this infectious club has well and truly got under his skin. By all accounts, it seems as though the 49-year-old wants to continue to write his name in the history books of one of England’s biggest clubs.
Whether or not you think Farke is the man for the long-term future, losing him to another club due to a release clause would be a devastating blow. Especially if it came midway through a campaign.
This is why I’m very sceptical that the 49ers would agree to this. Implementing such a clause in any new deal that is agreed for Farke would be madness.
Why we don’t have to worry about Daniel Farke leaving, some say.
But I worry about Daniel Farke not leaving.