Carlton Palmer: Daniel Farke right to make ‘unfortunate’ Leeds Unite transfer decision, he has his priorities right
Carlton Palmer thinks Daniel Farke was right to make an “unfortunate” transfer decision on two Leeds United players.
According to the Athletic, the Whites boss has decided fringe players Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt will not be allowed to leave Elland Road on loan during the transfer window in January.
Centre-back Cresswell and forward Gelhardt have struggled to break into the squad, but ex-Leeds midfielder Palmer says Farke will need his full squad to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Speaking to Football League World (22 December), he said: “It’s been reported that Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will not entertain any loan offers for Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt.
“I’m not surprised by Daniel’s decision. Of course, he would like both players to get game time and keep improving and learning but his priority is promotion for Leeds United back to the Premier League.
“They currently sit third in the Championship going into the second half of the season, 10 points off an automatic place.
“They will want to try and see if they can overhaul Leicester or Ipswich, and he knows that these two players can operate at Championship level and, as a manager, you can’t legislate for any injuries that may occur.
“So he has to put the club’s best interests before the players which is unfortunate at this stage for both players.”
Understandable
Before a ball was kicked this season, it is fair to say most Leeds supporters would have expected both Gelhardt and Cresswell to play a significant part in the Championship campaign – particularly given Cresswell had so many appearances on loan at Millwall last season.
But the truth is, the side has performed so well this term that opportunities to breaking into the squad, let along the starting XI, have proven few and far between.
So, it does leave quite the quandary, because you do not want two unhappy players in the squad, especially when both players will feel like they could go and be regular starters and the majority of Championship clubs.
That, sadly, is not Farke’s concern. The German has intentions for Leeds to be muscling their way into the top two and in a long, brutal Championship season you need to make sure you’ve got the squad to compete and cover for injuries.
It’s tough for Gelhardt and Cresswell, but right now it would be the wrong move to let them go.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has given a “damage limitation” verdict ahead of the Ipswich Town clash.