Leeds United could sanction January loan exit for Charlie Cresswell amid Middlesbrough transfer news – Carlton Palmer
Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United could sanction a loan exit for Charlie Cresswell in the January transfer window but not to a rival club.
The BBC pundit, speaking to Football League World (7 December) shared his reaction to a report from The Sun (5 December) which claimed that promotion rivals Middlesbrough are interested in the England under-21 international.
And Palmer believes the Whites won’t want to hold the youngster back given his limited minutes at Elland Road and could green light an exit for him but not to a rival club.
He said:
“Charlie Cresswell is becoming increasingly frustrated at his lack of game time at Leeds United and may look to a January exit from Elland Road.
“Leeds would not be keen on Cresswell leaving to go to a club that is a potential rival.
“Middlesbrough amongst other clubs are keen to acquire his services.
“Leeds are going well in the league this season, and that has restricted his opportunity with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon the preferred duo at centre-back.
“Leeds won’t want any disharmony in the camp and won’t want to hold Cresswell back so will allow him to go out and loan, just not to a rival club and you would imagine there would be a 24-hour immediate recall clause.”
Exit is best
Daniel Farke’s constant snubs for Cresswell may well be understandable to most of the Leeds United faithful given the terrific form and partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
Elland Road veteran Liam Cooper has been asked to step in when one of them are absent which has meant Cresswell has not only seen his minutes limited but has also seen his involvement in matchday squads non-existent.
The last time he featured in one was the 2-1 win over Plymouth before the November international break [SofaScore] which has begged the question of whether Farke sees him as part of his plans or even rates him.
The talented England under-21 international signed a new deal in August until 2027 which certainly pointed to him being a key figure for Farke this season, but that simply has not happened and it’s probably best the Whites sanction his sale, albeit temporarily.
A player of his class and quality at such a young age simply should not be rotting on the bench or out of the squad like he has recently and needs to be playing to enhance his development and maturity.
A move to Middlesbrough certainly won’t be considered by Leeds given they are promotion rivals as Palmer suggests but another move like his fruitful Millwall spell last season may be and should be sanctioned.
In other Leeds United news, Jamie O’Hara has made an “unbelievable” admission about the Whites after their win over Middlesbrough