Lewis Bate issues personal apology ahead of imminent Leeds United return

Leeds United midfielder Lewis Bate has issued an apology to Milton Keynes Dons fans on social media after his loan club crashed out of the League Two play-offs at the weekend.

Bate posted on X [13 May] after MK Dons were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-off semi-finals, signalling an end to the 21-year-old's loan spell from Elland Road.

Having made 22 appearances since joining Mike Williamson's team in January, Bate returns with more experience under his belt after previously spending last season on loan with Oxford United.

In the England youth international's post, he said: "Thank you to the players and staff at MK Dons for the past few months.

"Also, to the fans, thank you for welcoming me in from day one. I apologise for how the play-offs went for the team, but I'm sure the club will be back soon!"

Bate's contract at Leeds expires this summer, having made four first-team appearances since arriving in 2021 for a fee of approximately £1.5million from Chelsea.

Lewis Bate among those not in Daniel Farke's Leeds plans

All roads now lead to Bate's exit from Leeds United - a loan deal in the final months of the midfielder's contract put the writing on the wall.

Bate was loaned to Stadium MK during the same winter window as Leo Hjelde's departure to Sunderland on a permanent deal - it was suggested the duo were not in Farke's plans "now or in the future".

Irrespective of the division the Whites find themselves in come the end of this month as they look towards next season, there is expected to be a significant squad overhaul at Elland Road.

Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton and Sam Byram also see their current deals expire on June 30, and Bate represents one of the club's young players brought in as prospects under Marcelo Bielsa with whom the floorboards are being ripped up to start again.

Between September and January, Bate was not in a single Leeds matchday squad in the Championship and featured in five U21 matches - four of them defeats.

It was obvious he felt settled playing for MK in League Two with regular game time, though it looks as if the London-born midfield man will be looking for a challenge at a higher level.

In other Leeds news, doubt has been cast on the immediate future of Marc Roca.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.