‘See you’ – Leeds United’s silence broken on play-off final defeat with nod to next season’s plans

Unfinished business is on Ethan Ampadu’s mind, with Leeds United’s stand-in skipper virtually confirming he has no interest in leaving after last month’s promotion failure. The Wales international addressed his pain at Wembley for the first time and told the Whites faithful he will see them through next season.

The 23-year-old was a key player in Daniel Farke’s first season in charge and played in all 49 Championship games, most of them in 2024 as captain. In the absence of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk, it was Ampadu who led the team on the pitch as they pursued their Premier League goal.

However, they came up short at the national stadium last month when Ampadu was visibly emotional after playing a part in Southampton’s only goal of the game. There are still three years left on the contract the former Chelsea man signed last summer, but missing out on promotion always raises fears that players will want to leave.

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Taking to social media, Ampadu reaffirmed his commitment to the cause and promised United supporters that he would be back from August to make amends. He also thanked them for their support over the past 10 months.

“We’ll be back,” he said. “I’m going to end it like this, but (a) huge thank you for all your support this season. See you next season.”

Ampadu was one of six outfield players to start the 46 regular league games in the final quarter of the second leg. It was by far the most football Ampadu has played in a senior season since he managed Exeter City as a 15-year-old.