Two Leeds United players told their time at the club is up after west ham 3-0 humiliation
The crushing 3-0 defeat suffered by Leeds United against West Ham United may have looked like just another disappointing end to a difficult Premier League campaign, but behind the scenes it appears to have triggered major decisions at Elland Road. Reports emerging after the humiliating loss suggest that two Leeds players, Joel and Rhys Chadwick, have effectively been informed that their futures at the club are over as Daniel Farke prepares for a significant squad reshuffle this summer.
Leeds travelled to London hoping to finish the season positively after successfully securing survival earlier in the campaign. Instead, they produced one of their weakest performances of the season, allowing West Ham to dominate large portions of the game despite the Hammers ultimately suffering relegation themselves.
The result exposed several weaknesses within the Leeds squad, particularly in midfield and defensive transitions, and it now appears the club hierarchy is ready to make ruthless decisions. While the focus after the match was understandably on West Ham’s relegation heartbreak, attention has gradually shifted toward Leeds and what comes next for Farke’s side heading into the transfer window.
One of the biggest talking points surrounds young midfielder Rhys Chadwick. The academy prospect had been viewed internally as a player with potential, and Farke had even hinted before the West Ham match that injuries in midfield could create opportunities for him around the first-team setup. However, sources close to the club now suggest that the coaching staff are unconvinced he is ready to contribute consistently at Premier League level.
Chadwick’s pathway into the senior side has become increasingly complicated due to Leeds’ plans to recruit more experienced midfield options this summer. With the club eager to avoid another relegation battle next season, sentiment is unlikely to stand in the way of decisive action. The brutal nature of the defeat at the London Stadium reportedly strengthened the belief that Leeds require more physically dominant and tactically disciplined players if they are to progress under Farke.
Joel’s situation appears equally uncertain. Although he arrived with promise and had moments where he looked capable of becoming an important squad player, inconsistency has plagued his time at Leeds. Coaches are believed to be frustrated by his inability to impose himself during key matches, and the West Ham collapse may have been the final straw.
The 3-0 loss highlighted the gulf in urgency and aggression between the two teams. West Ham, fighting desperately for survival, played with intensity and purpose, while Leeds looked passive and vulnerable once pressure mounted. Several senior figures at the club reportedly felt certain players failed to show enough character during the match, leading to immediate discussions over summer exits.
Daniel Farke has repeatedly spoken about building strong foundations for the future, and after the game he attempted to remain positive despite the heavy defeat. Yet internally, there is recognition that Leeds cannot afford complacency simply because survival was achieved. The Premier League campaign exposed limitations across the squad, and trimming fringe players appears to be one of the manager’s priorities.
Leeds supporters have also grown increasingly impatient. Many fans accepted inconsistent performances earlier in the season because survival was the primary objective after promotion, but the manner of the defeat against West Ham angered large sections of the fanbase. Social media reaction following the match was particularly fierce, with some supporters openly questioning whether certain younger players possess the mentality required to succeed at top-flight level.
For Chadwick, the disappointment will be especially painful. As a homegrown player, he represented part of the academy pathway Leeds fans desperately want to see succeed. However, football at Premier League level can be unforgiving, and opportunities are limited when managers are under pressure to deliver immediate results.
Joel, meanwhile, could attract interest from Championship clubs looking to revive his career with regular playing time. Leeds are unlikely to struggle finding potential buyers or loan destinations if they officially place him on the transfer list in the coming weeks.
The broader picture for Leeds remains relatively optimistic despite the difficult afternoon in East London. Survival gives the club a financial platform to strengthen during the summer, and Farke still retains considerable support from both the board and supporters. However, the West Ham defeat served as a harsh reminder that standing still in the Premier League is dangerous.
Major changes are now expected before the new season begins. Some departures will disappoint fans, especially where academy players are concerned, but Leeds appear determined to raise standards throughout the squad. If Joel and Chadwick have indeed been told their time at the club is up, they may simply be the first casualties of what could become a very busy and ruthless summer rebuild at Elland Road.
