Victor Orta could face more serious questions if Charlie Cresswell is allowed Leeds United departure as agent speaks out
Charlie Creswell’s agent, Hayden Evans reveals there is interest in the 20-year-old Leeds United defender ahead of the summer window and sporting director Victor Orta should face serious questions if he departs.
The 20-year-old sensation is currently enjoying a thrilling loan spell at promotion hopefuls Millwall, finally found his feet in London, enjoying a run of games in a side challenging for the playoffs.
Journalist Phil Hay reported on 3 March that the talented defender’s immediate future at Elland Road is “uncertain” and it’s safe to assume there will be approaches for the youngster in the summer.
And the player’s agent, Evans, speaking on the latest Phil Hay Show episode revealed a decision could well be made in the summer when it comes to his future.
He said (Phil Hay Show, 16m 42s, 14 April): “Outside interest has escalated as we thought it would.
“Yeah [he nearly left permanently] and there were no real objections from Leeds if the right price was found but I think that may have changed.
“A new manager will want everyone in preseason so they can make their own assessments and he’s doing what we know he’s capable of.
“There’s no rush apart from Leeds maybe at some point. Yeah [it’s a summer decision], now there’s only a handful of games left, the interest is there.”
Gary Rowett, Cresswell’s current manager at Millwall recently described the young defender as “outstanding” which is something for Leeds United to consider when they ultimately make their decision this summer.
With the Whites potentially going through a stark rebuild this summer, especially in the centre of defence with the likes of Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch all facing uncertain futures, Cresswell’s value and importance to the Whites board should be soaring through the roof right now.
Certainly, first-team guarantees are what the talented 20-year-old will be searching for when he returns this summer, but considering the profile of squad Victor Orta and co are building at Elland Road, with vibrant and fresh young players at the forefront of their project, it would be incredibly baffling if they allow Cresswell to depart.
The 20-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a sensational loan at The Den, scoring four goals and laying on two assists in 28 Sky Bet Championship games, highlighting his incredible potential and current ability, something the Whites cannot ignore in their summer squad revamp.
The sole reason for the defender joining a progressive side such as Millwall was to develop and mature his game for a season before coming back to become a key figure in the future, so what kind of message will the Whites board send if they were to give up on him despite his tremendous form?
His all-action style and rapid development in South London simply cannot be ignored at Elland Road, and he may well be ready for the next level in the Premier League next season.
English top-flight clubs may be circling for his signature but the West Yorkshire outfit must ensure he remains with them, especially if they secure their Premier League status next season.
The Whites fans will certainly not be happy seeing one of their fledgling young talents leave without even proving himself amongst the first team picture, and should that happen, the controversies surrounding Orta’s leadership behind the scenes at Elland Road will only increase even further.
In other Leeds United news, the club have been blasted for their “stupid” decision amid a massive development this week.