At the halfway stage of the 2024-25 season, it looked as if Leeds United may be made to rue the decision to let Sam Greenwood go on loan – but by the end of the season, it was vindicated.
The decision to loan Greenwood out for a second successive season was met with a mixed reaction. An attacking midfielder, versatile with a set-piece quality – something that Leeds often lack over the years.
A decent loan at Middlesbrough, on the face of things, might have convinced others in Daniel Farke’s position to keep Greenwood around for 2024-25. But Farke decided against it, and he joined Preston.
Seven goals and two assists came in his 24 Preston appearances before the turn of the year, even with a red card against Blackburn. But in the second half of the season, no goals and one assist for Greenwood.
Preston expert Olly Dawes puts finger on Sam Greenwood’s loan
Clearly, a season of two halves for the £3m Leeds signing. Reports have emerged that Leeds will now listen to offers for Greenwood and accept offers of £3m-£4m, along with Darko Gyabi and Joe Gelhardt.
LeedsUnited.News spoke to Preston expert Olly Dawes about Greenwood’s tumultuous loan spell at Preston, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side choosing not to activate the permanent clause in his contract.
“Up until the end of 2024, it was all going well. From his debut against Sheffield United to the win on 29 December, Greenwood hit seven goals and two assists, stepping up as one of our most reliable attackers.
“Greenwood was a joy to watch v Sheffield Wednesday and left many fans desperate for a permanent deal in January. What happened from there is a complete mystery; no goals and one assist in 21 games.
“He almost became invisible, influential to so ineffectual. His inability to release the ball at the right time left fans tearing their hair out. Greenwood would either fail to spot a pass or hold onto it for too long.”
Why Preston have decided not to sign Sam Greenwood
Peter Ridsdale’s name sends shivers down the spine of Leeds fans. Right now, he is chairman and earlier this year, Ridsdale confirmed a fee had been agreed with Leeds for Greenwood, believed to be £1.5m.
But Preston have not activated that and he returns to Leeds, where he has a year left on his deal. Dawes explains to LeedsUnited.News why he won’t be signed permanently, even if he did show some glimpses.
“The best way I can describe Greenwood is that you can see exactly why he has been schooled at Arsenal and Leeds, but also exactly why he was in and out of the PNE side later into his loan move,” Dawes said.
“There is talent there but it just doesn’t emerge consistently. Preston just aren’t in a position to commit to such a gamble. It would not be a surprise to see him become a Premier League player one day.
“But it similarly would not be a surprise to see him drop down the leagues over the years. North End face a huge rebuild and you will find few supporters who would sink crucial funds into signing Greenwood.”
Is Leeds’ asking price of £3m-£4m fair for Sam Greenwood?
It comes as a bit of a surprise that having agreed a £1.5m fee for Greenwood in his Preston loan, that Leeds are now asking for double that – or more. Dawes can’t see anyone paying that kind of cash.
“Championship clubs will certainly still chase him and believe they can be the ones to unlock the quality in his locker. Middlesbrough tried, North End tried and other Championship clubs will feel the same way.
“A side that can afford to take a gamble on Greenwood’s talent could be rewarded down the line, so perhaps an upper mid-table or play-off chasing team will see the potential and pounce this summer.
“The rumoured £3million to £4million price tag is much too rich for my blood, but I could certainly see a Championship club fancying a move around the £2million if Leeds can be talked down a little,” he added.
For now, Greenwood is in limbo. Leeds want too much for a player that was so up and down last season and the only way Greenwood can progress is with a permanent exit – Leeds need to reduce the price tag.
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