Mateusz Klich’s agent speaks out on Leeds United exit after major development in past week
Mateusz Klich is no longer looking to leave Leeds United ahead of the World Cup amid suggestions he was heading for the exit, his agent has confirmed.
The 32-year-old appeared to be being edged into the background at Elland Road as manager Jesse Marsch continues to shape the squad in his image after taking over from Marcelo Bielsa in February, but a starring cameo in the win at Wolves looks to have changed his mind.
With the World Cup beginning in November there was much speculation that the midfielder would look to leave for more game time to make his international squad, with Phil Hay suggesting it was one to “keep an eye on” that he could return to the Netherlands with FC Utrecht.
But speaking to the reliable Instagram account LUFCFanZone, which has among its more-than 58,000 followers multiple Whites players including the Pole himself, the agent said: “Mateusz always wanted to stay at Leeds, however he wanted regular playing time before Poland’s World Cup.
“However, following his game against Wolves as a number 10, as well as his bond with the Leeds supporters, he now feels that he can continue to be a part of the team.
“Jesse would never block him from a move away from the club, however both the manager and Mateusz are happy to continue at Leeds.”
Back on board
Klich’s introduction in the second half at Elland Road on the opening weekend helped change the game at a time when Wolves looked like they were turning the screw and were more likely to score the winner.
He also played a key role in the Whites winning goal as his ball slipped through to Patrick Bamford sprung the striker and allowed him to put in a great cross that was turned into his own net by Rayan ait-Nouri.
It was instructive that the first player Marsch turned to off the bench in order to turn the match in United’s favour was the apparently forgotten man.
There must have been further conversations behind the scenes after the game however, because one second half substitute appearance surely isn’t enough on its own to get him to change his mind.
A key part of the Bielsa team that rose back to the top flight at long last, he has seen the likes of Kalvin Phillips leave and an influx of Marsch and Red Bull-flavoured signings come in.
So it was unsurprising that he felt the writing may be on the wall, but he has apparently had a complete change of heart after Saturday (6 August) and is back in the fold.
He must have been given some assurances that he is in line to feature enough to make the Poland squad or this could be a premature decision, especially if it is the number 10 role that he has his eye on.
In other Leeds United news, Marsch has had talks with another manager about finally signing a left-back before the end of the window.