Sam Greenwood transfer decision could save Leeds United millions
Sam Greenwood has been in scintillating form for Preston North End as the Leeds United loanee scored again in the 1-1 draw against Derby County.
The 22-year-old endured a slow start at Deepdale but has found his feet in Lancashire as of late, notching his fourth goal for Preston on Saturday [23 November].
However, his future at Elland Road remains uncertain in his second consecutive loan spell away from the club, and while the Whites’ stance may be set in stone, Daniel Farke may have to reconsider his plans.
Sam Greenwood can throw a spanner in Leeds United transfer plans
Greenwood finds himself in a catch-22 situation at Leeds, but his form in the Championship will only improve his stock regardless of where he plays his football next term.
The former England Under-21 international has suffered an identity crisis throughout his career as his preferred position has been a topic of debate at Thorp Arch.
Paul Heckingbottom has trusted Greenwood to lead the line for the Lilywhites with resounding success – he scored in three consecutive outings against Norwich City, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City, and his strike against Derby marked his fourth goal in his last six appearances.
Daniel Farke has rotated Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe through the middle this season; the Dutchman has featured more prominently as of late, but still, a combined eight goals in 30 appearances is grim reading for Leeds.
The Spaniard, on the other hand, may find himself exiled from the XI at Elland Road if his goalscoring return doesn’t improve. Joseph has found the back of the net twice this season, half of what Greenwood has achieved in two fewer outings.
Farke is eager to bolster his forward line and wants to bring Manchester City youngster James McAtee to West Yorkshire, however, if Greenwood continues his goal-scoring exploits, it would be a needless waste of money when an academy prospect is already proving his worth in the second-tier.
The catch-22, of course, is that Leeds could also capitalise on the situation and drive up the valuation for the forward in preparation for a future sale.
However, this would be in vain; the Whites already boast a host of attacking talent at Elland Road.
If depth is what Farke requires, he would be best served by handing Greenwood more minutes and using the fund to target more glaringly obvious holes in the squad.
In other Leeds United news, Whites fans were forced to fight through floods ahead of the Swansea clash.
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