Jamie Shackleton exit easily the best solution for Leeds United and player
Jamie Shackleton was once considered one of the brightest prospects in the famed academy of Leeds United.
Having risen through the young ranks, a then teenage Shackleton was taken on post-season friendlies to Myanmar by former boss Paul Heckingbottom in May 2018.
In the 2018-19 season, Shackleton made 21 appearances in the Championship and a further 22 the following campaign – albeit he made a combined nine starts in those two terms.
Even when Leeds were promoted to the Premier League, Shackleton – who can play central midfield and right-back – was still being utilised fairly regularly but still mainly from the substitutes’ bench.
There was a growing feeling too, particularly among the fanbase, that Shackleton was perhaps not quite at the desired level to nail down a regular starting berth at Elland Road.
And thus it was that last season he was sent out on loan to Millwall, starting 17 times and appearing 36 overall in a side who battled – but ultimately fell short – for a play-off berth.
Now back at Elland Road for pre-season, LeedsLive reported on Thursday (3 August) that Shackleton is considered “done” at Leeds.
Leeds are a team in transition after relegation but even accounting for the loss of several first teams there seems little chance for Shackleton to break into the picture, particularly given youngster Archie Gray will likely make the step up from the Under-23s in central midfield, and Cody Drameh will provide competition for Luke Ayling at right-back.
In essence, Shackleton – now 23 years old – is going to be a peripheral figure at best under Daniel Farke and at this stage of his career he needs to be playing week in and week out.
For both Leeds and for Shackleton, a full-time exit is in the best interests of both parties.
In other Leeds United news, Tyler Adams may be willing to remain at Elland Road despite interest from the Premier League.