Victor Orta plays Leeds United masterstroke based on Fabrizio Romano report on Cody Drameh
Leeds United loanee Cody Drameh has been immense for Luton Town since his arrival in January – and the Elland Road board could have played a transfer masterstroke.
The 21-year-old was severely unhappy under former head coach Jesse Marsch even if the American felt they’d turned a corner before the loan exit. The former Fulham youngster made just one Premier League appearance and managed two cup outings during the first part of the 2022/23 season as the manager evidently favoured Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling.
In Ayling’s case that’s somewhat understandable, but Kristensen has been largely disappointing since arriving in West Yorkshire and Drameh probably felt he was deserving of a shot ahead of the Denmark international.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post (28 November), the board had even taken a contract offer off the table, with a permanent January exit mooted. However, a loan move to Championship high-flyers Luton ensued and the right-back has gone on to be a revelation.
He has featured in nine games for Rob Edwards’ side and has registered two assists in his last two matches. He’s seriously impressing in Bedfordshire and Leeds’ decision to keep him on their books is looking like an inspired one.
He’s contracted to the Whites until the summer of 2024 and The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano revealed (via Twitter, 26 January) The Hatters don’t have the option to buy Drameh when his deal comes to a close at the end of the season.
Therefore, a return to Elland Road is on the cards and with a new man in charge, there’s every possibility he will see more minutes. Kristensen has been a substitute under Gracia which could indicate the Spaniard’s feelings about the Denmark full-back.
If the head coach keeps his role beyond the end of the season then a younger alternative to compete with Ayling could well be on the agenda and the 21-year-old looks like the perfect fit. Victor Orta and the board come under a lot of criticism, but the decision to only loan the right back out could be an inspired one.
There’s every chance he goes on to make an impact in the 2023/24 season. Orta got it wrong in backing Marsch in a number of circumstances, but ensuring the youngster couldn’t leave permanently doesn’t look like being one.
In other Leeds United news, long-planned contract negotiations have “not progressed” leaving Elland Road exit door open.
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