Leeds United have a number of players coming to the end of a loan spell at Elland Road.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
With a number of Leeds’ first-team coming to the end of loan spells at Elland Road, Garry Monk or whoever the head coach is next season will have to consider whether they want to extend any of those loans or perhaps even try and sign the players on permanent deals.
With that in mind, here is a look at each of the current loanees – barring Pontus Jansson, whose deal is set to be made permanent – and what HITC Sport thinks the Leeds hierarchy should try and do with each.
Matt Grimes
Matt Grimes has endured a season to forget for Leeds, so it will be a major shock if he does return to Elland Road next season.
Verdict: Let go
Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley has been an inspirational leader for much of the campaign, and arguably one of the best two centre-backs that Leeds have had for years. If the Whites could keep him in some capacity, that would be a major coup for Monk’s men.
Verdict: Desperately try to keep and seek permanent deal
Mo Barrow
Like Grimes, Mo Barrow will head back to Swansea having failed to make an impression for Leeds. He should have injected some top flight quality into the side, but rarely looked particularly dangerous.
Verdict: Let go
Alfonso Pedraza
Alfonso Pedraza
Leeds had a deal in place that would have allowed them to sign Alfonso Pedraza permanently if they went up (via Yorkshire Evening Post), but their failure to secure promotion means he will currently be expecting to head back to Villarreal. After some flashes of brilliance – albeit fairly rare ones – another loan deal would arguably be a great move from Leeds if he continues to develop.
Verdict: Try to keep
Hadi Sacko
While Hadi Sacko’s spell will probably be predominantly remembered as a frustrating one, there were times when the winger looked capable of becoming a very special player. If Leeds had an abundance of quality wingers at their disposal, or if they manage to recruit some excellent wide-men in the coming months, then letting Sacko return to Sporting Lisbon without seeking another loan may be a smart idea.
But if Monk’s options on the wings do not change particularly drastically over the coming months, then taking another chance on Sacko could make sense – even if he does often leave supporters tearing their hair out.
Verdict: Keep on radar for potential loan offer
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