David Kasumu's importance in focus as contract extension announced

The 25-year-old midfielder has extended his deal at Huddersfield Town

David Kasumu has signed a new contract at Huddersfield Town.

The 25-year-old had been set to go out of contract in the summer alongside a number of other first-team players. However, he has signed an extended deal that commits him to the club until at least 2027.

Kasumu has made 78 appearances for the club since joining from Milton Keynes Dons in 2022. He has become a fixture in head coach Michael Duff’s side over the past couple of months after starting the season out of the side.

Duff said in a club statement: "I'm really pleased that we've extended David's contract, and it's a decision I've been thoroughly supportive of throughout.

“A hard-working, honest player with huge room to grow, we believe that he can take on additional responsibility going forward whilst becoming an even better player.

"We've spoken a lot about people making shirts their own this season with good competition for places, and David has done exactly that. His attitude, intensity and work rate can never be questioned, and while there are areas of his game that we can refine, it's all things we think he's more than capable of learning and taking on board.

"Entering a really important part of his career, I'm excited to work more with David and do what I can to help him become the player we're all aware he has the potential to be."

Sporting director Mark Cartwright added: "We're really happy to have extended David's contract with the club, and it was really clear from the start of our discussions that all concerned agreed that Huddersfield Town remained the best place for his career to grow and develop. 

"In every conversation with David, our talks have centred around making the next step both as a player and member of the squad. Starting and playing well regularly is only the foundation, as there is an expectation on him now to become a bigger leader within the dressing room and help us establish the type of winning culture we want across the club. 

"Both [a] recognition of his performances to date and potential for the future, on behalf of all at the club, I'd like to congratulate David on earning this extension."

Analysis: Impressive stats show David Kasumu’s growing importance

David Kasumu has been one of the driving forces behind Town’s return to form after their dismal run in late August-September, coming back in for the defeat to Reading after picking up his customary early-season injury.

Kasumu has been fit and available since then. He has gone from appearing from the bench and fighting for a place to becoming about as close to an automatic starter as Duff has in his squad at the moment.

Unsurprisingly, Kasumu has both attempted and completed the most tackles per 90 minutes of any Town player in League One this season (and, yes, the most fouls).

Kasumu’s athleticism has proven to be ideal for the sometimes risky pressing style that Town play, with players getting into and around the box in numbers after possession has been won. His recovery pace and willingness to make up the hard yards have bailed Town out several times since his re-introduction to the side.

Kasumu’s numbers don’t just stand out in the Town squad, but sit strongly among League One midfielders: he ranks sixth in the division for most successful tackles per 90 minutes.¹