Leeds United have sent two players out on loan but is it a risk given the squad depth at Elland Road?
Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen has wasted little time making decisions on two of his first-team players, with Luke Murphy and Lewie Coyle moving on loan to Burton Albion and Fleetwood Town respectively.
Murphy’s second spell at Burton comes as no real surprise, although the midfielder may have hoped for more time to impress his new boss in the Whites’ upcoming friendlies.
Coyle barely got a look in last season, but he will have had his eye on the right-back spot given the lack of defensive options at Elland Road this summer.
Charlie Taylor’s exit means Gaetano Berardi is currently the first-choice left-back, while a lack of centre-backs could see Luke Ayling required to play further infield on occasions, potentially opening the door for Coyle.
Unfortunately for the 21-year-old that was not to be, and he will at least get regular game time before returning to Elland Road next summer. But does Christiansen’s sanctioning of the double deal so early in the transfer window suggest he is confident of bringing in all his targets?
Most managers wait until they have strengthened their squad before waving goodbye to players, even on loan, especially when they have only just arrived and need time to assesses what they have inherited.
While Leeds have moved quickly to sign Mateusz Klich and Felix Wiedwald, there is a lot of work to be done, and one can only hope the Whites are not left short when the campaign kicks off next month.
Klich’s arrival means Murphy would have found it harder than ever to get near the starting line-up, but Coyle is another matter.
Now it is down to Leeds to sign the new full-back, centre-back, winger and striker they need to make Christiansen’s first season in charge a memorable one for all the right reasons.
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