Surely the Congo player would have fared better for Leeds United than the Swansea City loanee.
When Leeds United signed Mo Barrow on loan from Swansea City in January, it seemed to be a fine piece of business from Whites boss Garry Monk.
After all, the former Swans manager knew the winger well from his spell at the Liberty Stadium, and he would not waste the time and the effort signing a player he had no intention of playing…surely.
The problem is that is exactly what happened, with Barrow managing just five appearances for Leeds, accruing only 149 minutes in the process and failing to make the match day squad for four of the club’s last six matches.
In hindsight, Barrow’s move was a complete failure, and we would give a penny for the thoughts of fellow Leeds winger Jordan Botaka, who would have surely done no worse than the Gambia international had he not been sent out on loan to Charlton Athletic.
Monk appeared to make his mind up about Botaka soon after taking charge, and although he struggled to make an impact with the Addicks, Monk would have been better off keeping the 23-year-old at Elland Road and avoiding Barrow altogether.
Botaka has featured only 14 times for Leeds to date, and his loan spell at Charlton has been affected by managerial changes and international call-ups, but would he really have done any worse than Barrow if he had been recalled early or not sent out on loan at all?
He could easily look at the underwhelming performances of practically all Leeds’ wingers this season and think he was unfairly shunted out the door.
He may still have the summer to prove himself, and if Monk was willing to sign Barrow, the least he should offer Botaka is a chance to impress at close quarters.
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