Leeds United stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell only signed a new contract in the summer, but has been superb lately.
When the Leeds players and fans consider their player of the season, it seems highly possible that the respective awards could go to a player who spent some of the campaign on loan at a non-league club and only made his first appearance of the season for the Whites in March.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been superb since coming into the fold. The 21-year-old was the beneficiary as injury prevented Andy Lonergan from returning to being the number one goalkeeper in the wake of Felix Wiedwald’s woeful run of form, and he has taken the opportunity with both hands.
Peacock-Farrell may still be awaiting his first clean sheet for the senior side, but he has been Leeds’ best player on a number of occasions – including during Friday’s defeat to Aston Villa where he was lauded by the home supporters as the Villans could only beat him once.
And that should perhaps leave Leeds considering whether it is already time to offer Peacock-Farrell a new contract just nine months after extending his deal.
Leeds confirmed in July last year that the youngster had agreed terms on a deal that would run until 2020 – but given that he has to be in the first-team next season, it is surely time to look to tie him down for longer and offer him the kind of contract that may help keep Peacock-Farrell happy.
In 2016, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that he was a target for two Premier League sides. And if he continues his current form, it will surely not be too long before the top flight sides are sniffing around him once again.
Allowing players’ contracts to run into their final two years is a risk that has seemingly cost Leeds in the past with the likes of Charlie Taylor and Sam Byram using their contract situation to help get moves away at various stages. And the Whites should look to ensure that they have as much chance of keeping Peacock-Farrell for the long-term as possible and consider discussing a new deal.
With an underwhelming season also coming to a conclusion, getting the stopper to sign a new contract would be a great way for the club to go into the summer on something of a high.
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