Leeds United: ‘Unthinkable’ development now possible as Charlie Cresswell news emerges
Leeds United could allow Charlie Cresswell to depart Elland Road on loan for the second half of the season, according to journalist Graham Smyth.
In an article for the Yorkshire Evening Post [28 November], Smyth reports that an exit that was previously considered “unthinkable” could now be a possibility.
Cresswell was expected to play an important part in Leeds’ push for promotion this season, but that has not been the case as he has started just one game to date.
Thanks to the backing of 49ers Enterprises, United were able to pull off a massive coup in the summer transfer window by bringing in Joe Rodon from Tottenham.
That loan signing, as well as further cover in versatile midfielder Ethan Ampadu, took up another position in the heart of defence, thus meaning more competition for Cresswell.
Having impressed on loan at Millwall in the Championship last season, the 21-year-old has been restricted to just 129 minutes across Leeds’ 17 league games so far this season.
Pascal Struijk has emerged as Daniel Farke’s preferred choice alongside Rodon, while Liam Cooper has provided adequate cover when needed, as was the case against Rotherham United last time out.
That leaves Cresswell as fourth choice – possibly even as low as sixth choice if Farke prefers Ampadu and Luke Ayling there – meaning he is struggling to even so much as make the matchday squad at the moment.
Injuries and suspensions have already hit Leeds in that area of the field so far this season, and it is not entirely inconceivable that two or more centre-backs could be ruled out at the same time.
Keeping Cresswell on board would be a wise choice from a selfish perspective, but Leeds are now ultimately in a position in which they can make a call on what to do with the youngster.
While it may have seemed “unthinkable” just a few months ago, Cresswell’s future – temporarily, at least – now seems almost certain to lie away from Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Smyth has named the six other Whites players who could be loaned out early in the new year.