Mateusz Klich has been offered a two-year contract by MLS outfit DC United as he weighs up whether or not to stay in the Premier League with Leeds United, Polish reporter Tomasz Wlodarczyk tells Meczyki.
Depending on which way you look at it, Klich is either a player of diminishing influence or Elland Road, or still a key part of the set up. Yes, he has not started a single Premier League game this season. But he has come off the bench in all but three of Leeds’ 16 matches thus far.
While no longer a fixture in the first XI, Klich’s experience, composure and intelligence means he is often Marsch’s go-to man late on in games. As such, Marsch would certainly prefer to retain the 32-year-old until the summer at least.
Leeds United’s Mateusz Klich could move to the MLS with DC United
“There has been an enquiry for Mateusz. But I think, from all sides, we’re still cautious about picking that it might be time for him to leave. I think he’s still been really important here,” the former RB Leipzig coach said in December.
“One of the interesting things is he’s played the fifth-most matches for me since I’ve been here. He’s one of my favourite personalities of anyone I’ve ever coached. And we have a really good relationship. We’ve been open with each other in all these moments along the way.
“I’m not sure, again, that it’s the time for him to leave. (But) I know that sometimes players would like to play a little bit more. He’s obviously a guy that I still very much like. And we think he is still a big part of this team.”
With 18 months remaining on his contract, Leeds are under no immediate pressure to let Klich go. But, after missing out on Poland’s World Cup squad and making no secret of his frustration, the former FC Twente playmaker has a difficult decision to make.
Does he accept his new, back-seat role? Or will the prospect of more regular football encourage him to push for a move to a less high-profile league?
“There is a two-year contract on the table,” Wlodarczyk explains. ‘With the possibility of extending it for a (further) year. From what I hear, there is an offer from DC United and Klich is thinking about it.
“If he says he wants to leave, I don’t think Jesse Marsch will stand in the way and keep him by force.”
Leeds, meanwhile, completed their first signing of the January transfer window on Tuesday. Red Bull Salzburg defender Max Wober arrives in a deal worth around £11 million (Fabrizio Romano).
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