Leeds United may have rescued Cody Drameh situation despite loan exit to Luton Town
Leeds United may have “turned things around” with Cody Drameh despite the young defender’s loan exit to Luton Town, says Graham Smyth.
Amid a lack of playing time in the Whites first-team squad the 21-year-old is going to spend the second half of the season out on loan in the Championship for the second consecutive campaign.
There had been extensive transfer interest in the right-back, who shone at Cardiff last term, leading up to the window [Fabrizio Romano, 14 November], and with his contract running down it appeared inevitable that he would move on permanently before long, but after Jesse Marsch spoke about the player’s future on Thursday ahead of his loan (26 January) that appears not to be the case any longer.
Smyth wrote on Twitter on Thursday afternoon: “Asked Jesse Marsch about Cody Drameh’s Leeds United future.
“Feels like the Whites have maybe turned things around with the right-back.
“Luton Town loan move will go through today.”
The accompanying story in the Yorkshire Evening Post shares Marsch’s words on the matter, where he said: “I see no doubt a future here for him.
“He and I have formed a pretty strong relationship over the past eight months. The first time I met him he was dissatisfied about coming back. Over time, I think he sees the potential here, of what we’re doing as a club.”
In the balance
This is certainly a positive development but it is by no means a foregone conclusion that Drameh becomes a part of the first-team going forward.
The number of sides who were showing interest in a permanent deal, and the success that the defender had at Cardiff last season, demonstrate the talent he appears to have.
It is certainly true that the few opportunities he has been afforded since returning to Elland Road haven’t showcased his ability in a way that has made it impossible to overlook him, but given Rasmus Kristensen’s struggles the youngster may have expected a few more.
Marsch is famously positive about most things, and has spoken glowingly about Leeds United youngsters for the duration of his time in charge.
The American has always had good things to say about both Drameh and Joe Gelhardt but both have struggled to break into the side anyway.
If this second loan spell has been secured amid a positive understanding back at his parent club then perhaps a new contract isn’t out of the question, which should at least protect the club from losing him for next to nothing in the future.
But Drameh needs a run in the team to prove himself so locking him down and not providing him a chance would be unfair to the player, and the hope has to be that Marsch’s outlook translates into action this time.
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Whites are down to the “final step” of a late January transfer.