Leeds United want Daniel Farke to stay 'long-term' as contract talks continue

Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans says the club and manager Daniel Farke are 'on the same page' over a new contract. The German is in the final year of his current deal after guiding Leeds to 14th in the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final last season.

  • Who: Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United
  • What: Contract discussions over a long-term deal; current deal expires at end of season
  • Where: Elland Road, Leeds
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Current form: Leeds have five points from three league games this season
  • What's at stake: Securing the manager's future after promotion and a strong first season back

What was said

"The short answer is that he's done great, we want him to be here long-term and we're working on it."

— Robbie Evans, Leeds United managing director, on Daniel Farke's contract

"As far as the contract discussions themselves, Daniel and his team and I have had really good chats for the past three months and they're all on the same page."

— Robbie Evans

"Unlike signing him back in 2023 or doing a deadline day deal kind of thing the time pressure is far reduced and so we have a time to get it right as far as what he wants and what we want."

— Robbie Evans

"I don't feel it's taking a long time. It just means we're getting it right and also we have time to get it right and so as long as we're still operating together as a group, and we're doing great on that front, I'm not worried."

— Robbie Evans

Evans' comments paint a picture of a club in no rush to conclude negotiations. The three months of talks suggest a framework is already in place, with the focus on aligning the manager's ambitions with the board's long-term vision. The absence of a looming deadline — Farke's deal expires in June — gives both parties breathing room.

The tone is notably calm. By referencing the 2023 appointment and a deadline-day deal as comparisons, Evans highlights how different this negotiation feels. There's no panic, no sense of an impasse. Instead, it's a measured process aimed at getting the right terms for a manager who has delivered on his brief.

Why Leeds are relaxed about Farke's contract

Daniel Farke's record at Leeds speaks for itself. After winning promotion in 2024-25, he guided the club to a comfortable 14th-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final — a season that exceeded many expectations. The board's satisfaction is evident in their public stance, and the continuity of the project is likely a key selling point in talks.

With five points from three league games this campaign, Leeds have started steadily. The summer transfer window added significant quality: James Trafford arrived from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £45m, while defenders Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi, winger Harry Wilson, defender Melvin Bard, and forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya all joined. The squad looks deeper, giving Farke the tools to build on last season.

Evans also revealed that the club had to sell only one player in June to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR): Pascal Struijk joined Brighton for a reported £20m on 30 June. The managing director admitted the FA Cup run and minimal January activity helped limit that to a single sale. With PSR set to be replaced by squad-cost ratio (SCR), Leeds appear well-positioned going forward.

Talking points

  • Should Leeds tie Farke down now, or wait until the season's direction is clearer? A long-term deal could be a masterstroke or a costly mistake.
  • Five points from three games is a solid start, but tougher tests loom. Farke's tactical flexibility will be scrutinised if results dip.
  • Was selling Pascal Struijk for £20m good business? The profit and sustainability rules forced Leeds' hand, but the defence now has new faces to bed in.
  • Evans says talks are 'on the same page', but no deal is signed. Are Leeds risking a repeat of past contract sagas by moving slowly?

What happens next

Leeds United will continue their Premier League campaign with the aim of building on their early-season form. Contract talks with Daniel Farke are expected to progress in the coming weeks, with both sides keen to reach an agreement. The club's next fixture will provide another opportunity for the manager to strengthen his case for a new deal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Daniel Farke leaving Leeds United?

No. Managing director Robbie Evans said the club want him to stay long-term and are working on a new contract, with both parties on the same page.

How long is Daniel Farke's contract at Leeds?

Farke is in the final year of his current deal, which was signed after he joined in 2023.

What did Robbie Evans say about Daniel Farke's contract?

Evans said Farke has done a fantastic job, the club want him long-term, and talks have been ongoing for three months with no time pressure.

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