Sam Greenwood could snub Middlesbrough permanent deal despite Leeds United pre-agreed fee
By Sean Wilson
Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick feels that Sam Greenwood has made a “big impact” since joining on loan from fellow Championship side Leeds United.
Greenwood penned a temporary switch to Boro late in the transfer window last summer and has made 31 appearances in all competitions in his new colours, netting five times and assisting a further three.
However, he has started just one of Boro’s last six games – a 2-0 defeat at Stoke City – and appears to face a fight to win back a regular spot in the side.
Despite handing the 22-year-old reduced minutes of late, Carrick insists he is happy with the versatile forward’s contribution, telling Teesside Live (15 March): “Sam has been great. He trains unbelievably well, really enjoys it here. You can see that.
“Yeah, of course, he’d like to have played more over the last week or so but he’s important for us, he’s had a big impact and he’s played a big part in what we’ve done, and he will continue to do that.”
Reports of a pre-agreed fee of £1.5million for Greenwood’s permanent services have surfaced – though it appears to be an option, rather than an obligation.
Additionally, Teesside Live reports that should parent club Leeds earn promotion back to the Premier League, the attacker would be due a pay rise, further complicating matters.
The Boro boss was coy about his plans for the player’s long-term future, saying: “It’s not the time now for me to be bothering Sam on that. It’s focusing on the games.
“As I said with Jonny [Howson] and there are one or two others, in time it will work itself out. Timing is important with these sorts of things, with contracts and transfers. When it’s the right time, things will get finalised.”
Sam Greenwood must do more to convince Leeds United or Middlesbrough
Greenwood was eased in after moving to Boro on August 31, featuring off the bench in four of the next five Championship fixtures before being handed his first start in a 2-0 home win over Cardiff City at the start of October.
He subsequently embarked on a terrific run of form, netting four goals and notching two assists in his following eight league outings.
However, end product has proved elusive since, with just one strike and one assist in his next 12 Championship starts, with Carrick subsequently dropping him from the starting lineup – and he has failed to contribute from the bench since.
While his early-season form is a clear indicator of his talent, consistency appears to be an issue for a player who had never played regularly at senior level before this campaign.
Greenwood may need to provide a reminder of his qualities to convince Carrick that he is worth the outlay – or even give Leeds cause to consider his future back at Elland Road next term.
Failure to do so may result in the Sunderland-born forward looking for a new home entirely in 2024/25.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton has delivered an “incredible” verdict in his prediction for the Millwall game.
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