Leeds United let a handful of first-team players leave in the summer, but which one should have arguably been held onto?
Leeds manager Garry Monk
It is certainly fair to say that Garry Monk has got little wrong since arriving at Leeds last summer. The Whites look to be well on course to secure a play-off spot in the Championship, and the majority of his signings have proved to be excellent additions to the squad.
But which player moved on last summer was perhaps let go of too early? Of course, the likes of Mirco Antenucci and Sol Bamba could have perhaps contributed had they been a part of the squad this term, but there is surely just one player who would have significantly improved the team had he stuck around.
Lewis Cook moved to Bournemouth during the summer in a £6 million deal which could ultimately see Leeds earn £10 million (via Guardian).
And while the potential eight-figure fee coupled with the fact that he would have been entering the final year of his contract had he stayed (via club’s official website) would have initially tempted fans to suggest that Leeds probably did the right thing cashing in, in hindsight it may have been worth taking a gamble.
Lewis Cook
Had he stayed, he would have provided even more depth to both holding midfield and the number 10 role where Pablo Hernandez has mesmerised and frustrated in almost equal measure at times this season.
And had he remained at Elland Road and Leeds went on to secure promotion, he may have perhaps been tempted to stay put and sign a new deal as he would able to realise his Premier League ambitions with the Whites.
Things have not gone to plan at the Vitality Stadium for the youngster – with injury plaguing his time with the Cherries so far – but if Leeds had taken a chance and had managed to keep him for the final year of his contract, then perhaps that gamble would have paid off enormously.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
