Ethan Ampadu: Leeds captain says team are positive despite slow start

In addition to their slow opening on the field they have also seen midfielder Archie Gray and forwards Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter move on to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively this summer, with the latter leaving on Monday.

So far this summer Leeds have made defender Joe Rodon’s loan move from Spurs permanent, while full-back Jayden Bogle has joined on a free from Sheffield United, and Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell has come in on a season-long loan.

Midfielder Ampadu said the group have not been unsettled by the summer transfer business and is hopeful of more additions.

“Every football club has incomings and outgoings, it isn’t until the end of the window that everything is clarified,” the 23-year-old said.

“We’ve been very good at keeping close-knit no matter who is here. It’s a really good place, we’re together and we’re all fighting for the same thing.”

He added: “It was sad when Georgi left because it’s not just a great player going but a good friend.

“He was a big character in the dressing room but we’ll wish him all the best and we’re focusing on ourselves.

“You miss big characters but hopefully there are some more big characters coming in.”