Leeds United gem Jamie Shackleton has confirmed to News at Den that Millwall gained an option to sign him permanently in the terms of the midfielder’s loan transfer this summer.
The 22-year-old followed fellow Whites talent Charlie Cresswell in joining the Lions on loan ahead of the new Championship season. Reports by London News Online then revealed his transfer also includes a purchase clause, while Cresswell is certain to return to Elland Road.
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Shackleton still has two years to run on his contract in West Yorkshire, but has struggled to establish a first-team presence. Of his 78 senior games so far, the Leeds-born prospect has started just 28, of which only 10 starts have come during Premier League matches, as well.
Jesse Marsch seldom showed much belief in Shackleton’s ability after he replaced Marcelo Bielsa in February, either. The American only fielded him once for 22 minutes during a late cameo at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in May, during one of a potential eight fixtures.
Shackleton confirms Millwall agreed an option to sign Leeds gem permanently
Shackleton could now make his competitive Millwall debut on the opening day of the new Championship season at home to Stoke City this Saturday, having signed for Gary Rowett’s side on loan from Leeds. He has also set out his aim to play at least 40 times for the Lions.
“I think it’s an exciting idea,” Shackleton said of Millwall’s option to buy. “Obviously, it all depends on how the next few months go. But in an ideal world, I’d get 40 odd games under my belt and I go from there. It’ll be exciting to see where we can get to this year.”
Shackleton’s targets for the season also include helping Millwall fight for promotion to the Premier League, as he now strives to see the Lions reach the same levels that Leeds have.
“For me, while I’m here, the aim is to get into one of those play-off spots,” he adds. “Even better, why not above that?
“Hopefully, we can take Millwall to the same level as Leeds, and from there we can see what happens. But for the season that’s the aim for me and the lads in the dressing room.”
Millwall ended the last Championship season in ninth-place, missing out on the last of the play-off spots by six points. No team above them in the table also won fewer games than the Lions (18), who ranked 16th for goals scored (53) but fourth for goals conceded (45).
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