Alfie Cresswell set to be next Leeds youngster to leave after what’s happened at Thorp Arch
Leeds United need to carefully assess what to do with their youth players in the January transfer window.
The 49ers have been conducting business for Daniel Farke this month, but have also made important moves in the youth department.
Harry Gray has been allowed to leave on loan, with the young striker joining Rotherham United on a season-long deal.
The teenager has been ripping things up at Thorp Arch, but he’s not the only youngster that’s been shining.
Alfie Cresswell has a bright future ahead of him, and emerging patterns suggest that the midfielder could be in line for a loan switch.
Alfie Cresswell not in last two matchday squads for U21s
Considering Leeds‘ problems with Profit and Sustainability Rules, talent must come through Thorp Arch to help the Whites’ long-term future.
Archie Gray was a recent example of how Leeds can benefit from their youth academy, as the versatile midfielder helped the Whites to a promotion and banked the 49ers £40million of pure profit through his sale.
Cresswell has been a regular for Leeds Under-21s in the past three seasons, and the 18-year-old could be ready for the next step in his career.
- Alfie Cresswell’s brother, Charlie, used to play for Leeds
- The youngster has played eight times in the Premier League 2 for the Whites this campaign
- Cresswell’s contract at Elland Road runs until June of 2028
Leeds U21s were beaten 3-0 at the LNER Stadium by Anderlecht on Thursday in the Premier League International Cup, and Cresswell wasn’t named in the squad.
The youthful maestro also wasn’t picked in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at Thorp Arch last time out in the league, which is strange considering his importance to the U21s.
It seems like the teenager is nowhere to be seen at Thorp Arch right now, and no reports of injury may suggest that he could have a loan move in the works.
Leeds have another wonderkid who should leave on loan in January
Leeds will be hoping that Gray’s loan move works out, because if he’s anything like his brother, then the Whites will see major success.
It’ll be the same story if Cresswell leaves for a few months, but another man whose situation needs to be looked at is Rhys Chadwick.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 56 | 14 | 16 |
Chadwick has registered 30 goal involvements during his time with the under-21’s side, which averages 0.54 contributions per game.
The attacking midfielder is playing a couple of years above where he is supposed to, but that’s because of his talent.
Leeds are lucky to have so many gifted prospects at Thorp Arch, but they need to make sure they pick the right way to develop their future stars.
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