Leeds United yet to offer Cody Drameh new contract, set to compete for starting spot with Luke Ayling
Leeds United are yet to offer Cody Drameh a new contract as he prepares to compete with Luke Ayling for a starting place, according to Graham Smyth.
Writing on the official website (15 August), Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth writes that the England Under-21 international is set to compete for a starting spot after suffering from a hamstring injury during pre-season.
But despite being in the final year of their contract at Elland Road, both Ayling and Drameh are yet to be offered new deals by the club.
“Ayling has been Farke’s number one choice at right-back, although Drameh’s ability to challenge for the position has been hampered by a hamstring injury he picked up in pre-season,” he wrote.
“Now that he’s fit again the youngster will hope to put pressure on the veteran defender.
“Both of Farke’s right-backs are into the final year of their respective deals at Elland Road. Drameh impressed in the Championship during loan spells with Cardiff City and Luton Town, with whom he earned promotion to the Premier League, but as of yet the Whites have not tabled a new contract.”
Odd
This whole situation is really odd with Drameh right now because it’s clear to the vast majority of people that he’s our best right-back option currently.
Ayling is the main man because of his senior status in the squad and his experience, but his performance levels over the last 12 months have been dropping considerably.
The fact that Farke tried to sign Max Aarons suggests that he wants some attacking impetus and a bit of youth in the side, which means Drameh should be his preferred option.
But to not table a new contract offer while he closes in on a position where could leave for free is crazy, as it suggests we’re not that fussed about losing him at the end of it all.
Hopefully something can be figured out because he’s a top player and is only going to get better with more game time, so hopefully that comes in a white shirt rather than someone else’s kit.
In other Leeds news, one star’s release clause is time limited and will expire before the window closes according to Phil Hay.