Andrew Maddox

Mon 4 July 2022 11:15, UK

Leeds United star Jamie Shackleton is set for the exit door this summer and could now leave permanently, according to the Daily Mirror.

Shackleton, who made just seven starts last season, seems to be the latest player to head for the exit door as part of Jesse Marsch’s overhaul of the squad.

However, the Mirror reported in their print edition [04 July, pg. 50] that the club are undecided whether this will be a loan or a sale.

Leeds Live previously credited Reading with a loan interest in Shackleton, but it is unclear if they would be able to afford a sale.

The report describes his situation as “complicated”, with all that seems certain is that Shackleton will leave the club this summer, most likely back to the Championship.

An unsurprising exit

While Shackleton’s impending exit is a shame, it is hardly a surprise given his recent struggle for football.

The versatile defender played just 22 minutes of football under Marsch last season, mainly down to his persistent injury issues. Shackleton was far from the only Leeds player with injury struggles last season, but he is one of the players who is easier to replace.

He can operate across right-back and central midfield, but the club have signed Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca in both of those positions.

Tyler Adams is also edging closer to a move to Elland Road, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Leeds are preparing a €15million (£12.9million) bid, leaving little room for Shackleton.

Reading would be able to offer him regular Championship football and give him the opportunity to prove his quality to Leeds, providing it is only a loan.

Shackleton is a talented player and a dependable backup, but Leeds are looking to upgrade all over the pitch and he has sadly been left behind. When he does eventually leave, the popular defender will surely leave with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

In other Leeds United news, the club reportedly has a shortlist of at least four players to replace Kalvin Phillips.