As things stand, Lukas Nmecha will leave Leeds United on a free transfer at the end of the season. But now, amid reports that Leeds could allow him to leave, Nmecha may end up staying after all.

Out of the blue, Nmecha was signed on a free transfer in 2025 after his Wolfsburg contract expired. He was the first addition of the summer after promotion, with Leeds handing the striker a two-year deal.

The belief was that Nmecha would provide a back-up option up front. He scored in Leeds’ first game back in the Premier League, netting the winner in a 1-0 win over Everton. This season, his form has dwindled.

Beren Cross: Leeds have an option in Lukas Nmecha’s contract

The two-time Germany star had a hand in 12 goals in 37 appearances for Leeds last season, scoring seven and laying on five more assists. But this season, Nmecha is yet to score in eight appearances for Leeds.

The striker has made substitute appearances in six of Leeds’ seven Premier League outings, remaining unused on the opening day. He has started in both Carabao Cup games against Forest and then Chelsea.

TeamTalk says that talks over a new deal are at an impasse, with his representatives already considering a new club. But that could be taken out of Nmecha’s hands if Beren Cross’ latest claims are correct.

Does Lukas Nmecha deserve a new deal? 🖊️

And should Leeds give him one?

On The Square Ball, The Athletic’s Cross claims that Leeds have a clause to extend the striker’s contract by a year: “His [Nmecha’s] and Gruev’s are due to run out. I’m led to believe Nmecha’s has an option.

“I would need to check – but from second-hand conversations with the club, Nmecha’s contract has an option. He may well be [free to talk to other clubs from January 1],” Cross continued on Nmecha’s deal.

“But I would assume if Leeds wanted to ward off any suitors, they would need to say that needs to be triggered which negates Nmecha talking to other clubs. That isn’t the case with Gruev,” he concluded.

Extend or not: What should Leeds do with Nmecha’s clause?

Nmecha is exactly what Leeds are all about in the Premier League under Farke. He is physical; he has shown he can score goals and have an impact, and he can play in more than just one position, too.

Indeed, Nmecha has come on as a left winger at times. He did so against Manchester United on Sunday. The injury concerns Leeds had regarding Nmecha, hence only a two-year deal, have not been an issue.

If Nmecha is willing to remain at Elland Road as the club’s back-up option to Calvert-Lewin, then the Whites should activate his contract – at least for one more season. He is the ideal back-up option.