Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has described a new contract for one Elland Road talent as “perfect news”.
The Whites are once again in an automatic promotion battle in the Championship, this time coming up against Sheffield United and Burnley.
After falling short in the top two race and in the playoffs last time out, Farke’s side have performed better this time around, sitting on 76 points after 36 games.
However, a place in the top two isn’t guaranteed, with the run-in once again set to be filled with plenty of nerves from the Elland Road faithful. Recently, Leeds’ 17-game unbeaten run came to an end against Portsmouth, with all four defeats in the second tier this season being 1-0 scorelines.
|
Leeds’ Championship defeats in 2024/25 |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Leeds 0-1 Burnley |
September 14 |
|
Millwall 1-0 Leeds |
November 6 |
|
Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Leeds |
November 30 |
|
Portsmouth 1-0 Leeds |
March 9 |
Away from the pitch, there has also been some movement behind the scenes, with Angus Kinnear’s move to Everton at the end of the campaign being announced. Leeds have moved to bring in Peter McCormick, who will be joining the club as executive vice chairman, and they have also tied down a promising youngster to a new contract.
Farke reacts as Leeds seal new deal for Chambers
Leeds confirmed a new deal for teenager Sam Chambers on Monday, with the midfielder penning a fresh three-year deal through until 2028 on what was his 18th birthday.
Chambers has featured on two occasions under Farke this season, coming on against Plymouth in the Championship before making his full debut in the FA Cup defeat to Millwall.
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He appears to be one of the brightest prospects in the Thorp Arch academy, alongside Harry Gray, younger brother of Archie. Speaking at his pre-Millwall press conference, Farke was asked about Harry Gray amid the young forward training with the first team.
“We won’t rush it too much. We’re happy we have him. He’s a player in the category of Sam Chambers who can play an important part in our future.”
He then spoke in more detail on Chambers and his new three-year deal, labelling it as “perfect” for everyone involved and a player who he likes “a lot”.
“Perfect day for Sam, also his birthday and great news. I like him a lot, we believe in this player. The new contract is not a gift, we believe in him, that he can play a major role for us in the future. Developing our own players is a cornerstone of our beliefs. It’s important, it’s not like we can always spend money and buy players. The player with the badge, if he comes through the ranks it’s a big identification. It’s perfect news for him and his family and perfect news for us.”
Chambers has been involved in six Championship matchday squads, so his progress over the coming years will be one to watch alongside Gray.
