Swansea City blocked Leeds United’s hopes of re-signing Kyle Bartley and it is off the table now.
Leeds’ Kyle Bartley heads at goal
Kyle Bartley was an outstanding addition to Leeds United this past season after a successful spell on loan.
Re-signing Bartley was a top priority for Leeds, but Swansea City made clear earlier this month that the centre-back is not for sale.
Swans boss Paul Clement’s comments, reported by Wales Online, could have been taken as an act of brinksmanship and negotiation, but they seemed genuine, that he wants to work with the defender.
Former Leeds United manager Garry Monk
With Bartley’s former boss Garry Monk yesterday quitting Leeds United, the Whites hopes of getting the defender back appear dead in the water.
Yet Swansea’s determination to keep the centre-back could potentially have been a factor in Monk deciding his future.
Monk built a solid defence at Leeds last season, bringing in Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Bartley, and goalkeeper Rob Green.
Leeds’ Kyle Bartley heads at goal
The second Swansea turned around and blocked Bartley joining permanently will have been a wake up call for Monk.
Next season would not have been the continuation of a project, it would have meant re-starting, having to rebuild a back line which was among the team’s biggest assets.
Immediately the chance of progression and momentum was halted, and Monk will have been given a stark reality check.
If Swansea had sanctioned a deal early, Monk would have felt more enthused about the season ahead, and not like now was the right time for a clean break.
A top priority for Leeds United’s next manager will now be to sign a new centre-back to partner Pontus Jansson, providing they can also hang onto the Swede.
Do you think an early deal being struck for Bartley could have changed Monk’s mind? Is there any chance they could still get him?
Leeds United’s Kyle Bartley
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