Porous Swansea City could have done with the towering defender this season – but their loss is Leeds United’s gain.
While Leeds United managing to snap up Kyle Bartley on a season-long loan highlights their sensible approach to recruitment since Garry Monk arrived at Elland Road, as reported on LUTV, it also sums up the poor decision making in evidence at parent club Swansea City.
The towering centre-back has formed arguably the Championship’s best defensive partnership alongside Pontus Jansson while The Swans have conceded 61 goals in the Premier League this season, comfortably the worst record in the entire top flight.
Jordi Amat and Federico Fernandez continue to struggle in English football although the astute signing of Alfie Mawson from Barnsley has at least provided a degree of solidity to the backline.
Yet, while the South Welsh side’s decision to let him go should be scrutinised, no one can question the reason behind Bartley stepping down a division in the summer.
“I want to play every minute of every game as I came to this club to play a lot of games. I have managed to do that and it’s going well so far,” Bartley told LUTV.
And it’s impossible to suggest that his decision has not been vindicated. The former Arsenal youngster is one of the first names on the team-sheet under Monk and has already played more games this season than across four Premier League campaigns with Swansea.
Bartley told the Yorkshire Evening Post recently that he would be interested in leaving the Liberty on a permanent basis though admitted that the decision is likely to be out of his hands.
However, even if Leeds remain in the second tier beyond this season, it’s clear that his career has progressed far more during 10 months at Elland Road than in four seasons with Swansea.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
