Cast your mind back to the summer of 2024: Leeds United supporters were no doubt concerned about the future of the club after failing to win promotion to the Premier League.

The play-off final defeat to Southampton led to the fire sale of numerous vital senior squad members, which saw over £100m worth of talent depart Elland Road.

Supporters even questioned whether Daniel Farke was able to lead the Whites forward, but the hierarchy’s level-headed approach has certainly worked wonders.

The second season in the Championship allowed one player to rapidly develop in his progression - which has seen him become one of the manager’s most influential players.

How Ampadu has become one of Farke's most important players

It’s quite fitting that Farke has proved the doubters wrong in Yorkshire, but not many expected him to prove them wrong in both the Championship and the Premier League.

The German has made Leeds a genuine force in England’s top-flight, with Ethan Ampadu a player who’s stuck with the manager throughout his entire tenure.

The Welsh international was the manager’s first addition after taking the reins, subsequently becoming one of his most-trusted operators in the senior ranks.

He handed the 25-year-old the responsibility of being the club captain in recent times, whilst handing him the opportunity to star at the heart of his 3-4-2-1 system.

Ampadu has featured 129 times since the manager’s appointment, with his relentless nature and leadership qualities allowing the club to progress in the right direction.

Farke himself has heaped praise on the former Chelsea man in recent weeks, even claiming that for him he’s “probably our most important player” and he “deserves all the praise.”

His £7m fee is now looking like one of the club’s best pieces of business in recent history, especially considering his ability to seamlessly transition to life in the Premier League.

How Leeds have landed their next Ampadu this summer

There’s no disputing that Leeds have conducted some of the best pieces of business in the Premier League this window in an attempt to rise up the table this term.

James Trafford arrived in a club-record deal worth a reported £45m, subsequently ending years of continued speculation over a possible move to Elland Road.

Centre-back Tarik Muharemovic was another big-money addition at £34m, but the Bosnian international has already showcased that he’s worth every penny after his first two league games.

However, the late addition of left-back Melvin Bard on loan from OGC Nice could prove to be a superb addition - but not just because of his efforts on the pitch in Yorkshire.

It was announced late on deadline day that a deal had been agreed for the 25-year-old, with Farke’s men also having the option to make the deal permanent next summer.

He may be an unknown quantity to many Whites’ supporters, but the Frenchman is a player who could add a lot to the current senior ranks throughout 2026/27.

Bard has key experience in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, subsequently racking up over 160 appearances in Ligue 1 during spells at Nice and Lyon.

His potential bargain move could see him emulate Ampadu at Elland Road - subsequently exceeding all expectations and becoming a fan-favourite with his efforts at both ends.

He ranked in the top 10% of all full-backs in Europe for chances created per 90 last term, whilst also placing in the top 15% of all defenders for ball recoveries made.

Such numbers demonstrate his excellent talent to star at both ends of the pitch, which could hand Farke the quality he needs to help the side be competitive throughout 2026/27.

However, his biggest asset could be his own leadership skills, as Bard previously captained Nice in Ligue 1 and has been credited for his voice in the dressing room.

The statement put out by his parent club extensively touched on such qualities, noting that he 'stood out for his personal qualities and ability to form bonds in the dressing room.' That could see him be a leading force on and off the pitch in the club’s hunt for success, much like Ampadu.

Such a move is undoubtedly a free hit for the Whites this summer, subsequently filling a key role in the squad, but only a temporary basis should he fail to deliver.

However, he seems to tick all the boxes needed to succeed under Farke, which could see him emulate Ampadu in being a monster hit with the fanbase in Yorkshire.