Will the 25-year-old be as good for Leeds United in the Premier League?
Things are about as good as they have been at Leeds United for a long time.
The fans are growing more adventurous by the week and many will be dreaming about a return to the Premier League already. And why not?
Garry Monk’s side are fourth in the Championship and a win over Brighton on Friday would bring them within three points of the automatic promotion spots.
One man who has contributed a great deal to the ever-increasing optimism is the exceptional Kyle Bartley, whom Monk signed on a season-long loan from Swansea.
But is he good enough for the big time? Probably not, considering he was deemed surplus to requirements by the team who now sit bottom of the top flight.
The former Arsenal graduate managed 16 appearances in the Premier League during three-and-a-half years in South Wales – he had a six-month loan with Birmingham – and it does offer an insight into how the 25-year-old might cope up there.
Injury contributed to that meagre number but for the most part he found himself on the periphery of things at the Liberty Stadium. During Monk’s reign as Swanea boss, Bartley was a regular in League Cup and FA Cup games, but struggled for league minutes.
There is no shame in being unable to displace Ashley Williams, but the inconsistent Federico Fernandez was the other man keeping him out of the side.
If he can help Leeds reach the promised land then he deserves a permanent switch to Yorkshire – in fact, he probably deserves one already – but Monk should not be afraid to sign a proven Premier League defender to rival him.
It is worth noting that he is only 25, and his peak years are still ahead of him, but history suggests that he could struggle with the step up in class.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
