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Beren Cross discusses Tyler Roberts' Leeds United future
Beren Cross believes that Leeds United man Tyler Roberts won’t leave the club on loan in January.
Speaking in an online Q & A session, the Leeds Live reporter discussed the 22-year-old’s future at Elland Road after a poor start to the season.
Roberts has actually played in every league game this season, but that only equates to 318 minutes on the pitch, which is roughly three and a half full games.
So, he has been a bit-part player, but Cross can’t see him being allowed to leave unless the Whites find a replacement.
He said: “He’s featured in all 12 league games this season, starting just one, and played fewer minutes than Bamford, Ayling, [Jamie] Shackleton and [Junior] Firpo, who have all had time on the sidelines.
“Gelhardt’s start on Sunday was clear evidence of how the pecking order looks right now. Can Leeds afford to lose a senior body, though?
“Roberts may want more starts, but when injuries have hit, he’s been someone Bielsa always wants to turn to from the bench.
“There was a similar situation in January this year when Derby [County] were keen on Roberts, but he stayed put. I can’t see it unless Leeds have a fully fit squad to cope with his departure.”
Roberts staying put.
This might not be what Leeds fans wanted to hear, but despite his poor performances this season, the Welsh international is a player Marcelo Bielsa likes.
He might not start often, but you can almost guarantee that Roberts will be one of the Whites’ substitutes in a game.
So, you can see why Cross doesn’t think that he will be going anywhere in January because Leeds can’t really afford to let any senior player leave unless there is a replacement.
This is a shame for Roberts as well, who really needs to be starting games, but given his current form, he can’t start for Leeds.
So a loan would make sense for both the player and the club, but Cross is usually very reliable, so you would say it looks unlikely that he will leave in January.
Hopefully, Roberts can up his game if Bielsa continues to use him as a substitute, or it could be a long season for him.
In other Leeds United news, a new report has emerged on Helder Costa’s future.