There is a cautious sense of optimism building at Leeds United at present, and who can blame the supporters for dreaming big for the 2026/27 campaign?

Manager Daniel Farke has told the supporters to get excited about the future, with the Whites’ performances in the first games of the new season backing up why the fans should have high hopes.

His side have defeated Nottingham Forest twice in four days at the City Ground, doing so without even conceding a goal - with Tuesday’s win sending the club into the third round for the first time since 2022.

One player started both of the encounters in the East Midlands, and has further demonstrated why he has a huge role to play in Farke’s hunt for success this term.

Why Ampadu will be crucial for Leeds in 2026/27

Finding bargain talents in the modern game has become somewhat trickier in recent years, but Ethan Ampadu is an example that gems are still available in the market.

The Welsh international was Farke’s first signing as Leeds boss back in the summer of 2023, as he arrived for a reported £7m from Premier League side Chelsea.

Three years on, the deal looks to be one of the club’s best pieces of business in recent times, with the 25-year-old even assuming the role of captain in recent months.

He’s continued to lead by example at the heart of the club’s midfield and has seemingly formed an unbreakable partnership alongside German star, Anton Stach.

Ampadu featured for 90 minutes in the opening day victory over Forest last weekend, and once again showcased why he’s become one of Farke’s most influential players.

The Welsh star dominated without the ball at the City Ground, subsequently making the most ball recoveries and interceptions of any player who started the contest.

He also offered a continued presence with the ball in forward areas, as he created two chances for his teammates with his six passes into the final third of the pitch.

How Leeds can land Farke his next Ampadu this summer

Landing a player of a similar calibre to Ampadu will be the ambition of the hierarchy, but with the window closing next Tuesday, the 49ers are now running out of time to get deals over the line.

RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder has emerged as a late transfer target, but the Whites face stiff competition from Serie A outfit Lazio for his signature.

Other areas of the pitch could still be bolstered, with Everton centre-back Jake O’Brien seen as a viable option to add further quality and cover into the backline.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Farke’s men have already made contact with the Toffees over the possibility of securing a late deal for the 25-year-old.

However, competition for the Irish international’s signature does appear to be high, with Leeds having to fend off the likes of Crystal Palace to secure his services.

Any deal will also be an expensive one at present, as David Moyes’ men have placed a £30m asking price over his head to fend off any potential interest this window.

O’Brien may be a name that doesn’t excite many Leeds supporters, but he’s a player who would add the quality needed in the backline to mount a serious push for a top-half finish.

Such a move would see Farke’s side land their next version of Ampadu, subsequently signing a player from a top-flight outfit who is yet to fulfil his potential despite huge hype being generated.

However, his stats from the 2025/26 campaign highlight what he would add to the Whites’ backline, which could see the likes of Jaka Bijol and new signing Nico Elvedi have further competition.

The Irish international featured in all but one Premier League game last campaign, subsequently managing to win a phenomenal tally of 3.3 aerial duels per 90.

The aforementioned figure was higher than any centre-back in Farke’s system, also placing him above 97% of other defenders within England’s top-flight.

O’Brien also managed to come out on top of 61% of the ground duels he entered, which, like his aerial ability, saw him place above 92% of players in his position.

His dominance at the back was further reflected in his dribbled past tally, which saw the 25-year-old only be beaten eight times within his 37 league outings.

Standing at 6’6, the defender could also hand Farke an added threat for attacking set-pieces, with O’Brien scoring three times for the Toffees since his move in July 2024.

Farke has spoken about the possibility of added reinforcements before the window closes, with a move for the Everton star handing him the added quality he craves.

Should he get anywhere near the levels of Ampadu after his own move in 2023, it would be a superb deal and one which could hand the Whites an edge in their hunt for a top half finish.