Leeds told defender ‘goes under the radar’, but where does his long-term future lie?

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Cody Drameh has been criticised at times by Leeds fans for his attitude. Defying Marcelo Bielsa in order to go out on loan, which proved to be the right decision – given his form at Cardiff. But where does Drameh’s Leeds future lie?

The 20-year-old impressed once again on Monday night, starring in a top-of-the-table Leeds side that beat Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light – in Premier League 2. But the right-back is already well ahead of second-string football.

Indeed, Drameh sparkled at Cardiff. Having already played five times for Leeds’ senior side during 2021-22, Drameh went on loan to Cardiff for the second half of the season. After 22 games, he won the Player of the Season award.

An incredible feat, given he was only there for half a season. But the England Under-21 international is now back at Leeds, and finds himself as the club’s third-choice option at right-back. Rasmus Kristensen is first choice.

The Dane made a slow start, but after a decent showing against Aston Villa and a further-improved outing at Crystal Palace, he sits ahead of Luke Ayling. The Leeds icon is now back from injury, but finds himself as second choice.

Drameh is behind both. So, Leeds have a dilemma. A player that is easily good enough to train and play for the first team, and has the quality to start pushing Jesse Marsch for a run of starts. But the names above him are immovable.

Kristensen is a new signing and will not be displaced. Ayling is a Leeds legend of the club’s modern era. As said, while Drameh has drawn criticisms from sections of the Leeds support, it is also understandable he will be frustrated.

Where does Drameh’s Leeds future lie? Probably not Elland Road…

Following his outing on Monday night, 21’s manager Michael Skubala said he “goes under the radar”. He is right, but it is hardly fair. If Drameh was an attacking player in the 21’s, Leeds fans would be raving about his performances.

At 20, he has already taken the Championship by storm. To still remain third choice, is harsh on him – but that is how it is. His contract expires in the summer of 2024. There only seems to be one sensible path for Drameh to take.

Unfortunately for him, and for Leeds, Drameh needs to leave the club in order to realise his potential. Join a club, perhaps in the second tier or even in the Premier League, where he can play more regularly. Where there is a path.

Where he is not restrained to being the club’s third-choice option and playing at a level, like PL2, that is beneath him. It is a shame for Leeds that they might have to resign themselves to losing a player of Drameh’s potential.

But it is for the best. It would see Leeds receive a bit of cash for Drameh. For the player, he would be given the chance to go on and start his career. At least, at senior level. It does seem inevitable that Leeds have to sell Drameh.