First-team role on cards for Charlie Cresswell as Leeds United contract news emerges
New Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has plenty of big decisions to make regarding his team selection for the opening match of the season.
The Whites kick off their new Championship campaign at home to Cardiff City on Sunday (6 August) following their relegation from the Premier League.
Given the huge transfer turnaround that has taken place so far at Elland Road this summer, it will be hugely interesting to see who Farke trusts in his first Leeds starting XI.
One player that has a good chance of getting the nod from the get go is youngster Charlie Cresswell, having spent last season in the division on loan at Millwall.
There, he furthered his development greatly with 30 appearances in all competitions, with the centre-back gaining further vital experience during his time on international duty with England Under-21s as they won the European Under-21 Championship last month.
Things are starting to look up for Cresswell in terms of his Leeds prospects, with the biggest hint that he is highly thought of at Elland Road coming in the form of a new long-term contract.
As per the official Leeds website (1 August), the 20-year-old has committed his future to the Whites until the summer of 2027.
The young defender has already made seven appearances for the senior side, with that figure set to rise over the coming months given his extension and indeed other recent transfer dealings at Elland Road.
That primarily involves senior central defensive duo Max Wober and Robin Koch, who have both left West Yorkshire on season-long loans.
Rasmus Kristensen is another defender to have left Leeds temporarily, and another to have been in with a shout of playing at centre-back following a handful of displays there last season.
The Whites have brought in versatile Wales international Ethan Ampadu, who is certain to be a regular under Farke, but whether that is at centre-back or defensive midfield remains to be seen.
It all certainly bodes well for Cresswell, who should be eager to impress his new boss from the very first whistle if given the chance.
In other Leeds United news, Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has reacted to Cresswell’s new deal at Elland Road.