Phil Hay: Lewis Bate unlikely to make senior Leeds debut this season
Lewis Bate is highly unlikely to make his senior Leeds United debut this season, according to Phil Hay.
There is big hype surrounding the England youth international, as the Whites beat the likes of Liverpool to his signing this summer.
Bate is already shining in the academy, but it looks as though he will be made to wait by Marcelo Bielsa.
Speaking on the Phil Hay Show, the journalist shared the major update that highlights that Bate may need to wait.
“He wasn’t involved on Tuesday night at Fulham,” he said.
“But when you see Bate joining and Gelhardt, and other players who would have other options, and very good options.
“Liverpool and Southampton were both very keen on Bate, you do realise that people within the game see this as a very productive environment for players who want to have a career.
“He probably won’t play this season.”
Never know.
Given our luck with injuries, COVID and suspensions already this season, the door could open at any time for Bate.
Adam Forshaw is likely the man standing between the former Chelsea talent and the first team, and we all know how likely it is that he picks up an injury in the near future.
Stuart Dallas hasn’t started the season as expected and did pick up some knocks and bruises at Fulham, leaving only Mateusz Klich ahead of Kalvin Phillips.
Given the apparent shocking luck at Elland Road, it would be no surprise to see Bate involved at some stage this season – there may not be a choice.
That wouldn’t be a bad thing, as the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Charlie Cresswell and Crysencio Summerville are proving right now.
This is certainly one to watch as the season progresses.
In other Leeds United news, Very good chance the Whites will launch major offer in January, player has exit agreement – report