Leeds United have 13 players currently out on loan until the end of the season and while our Premier League status hangs in the balance – here is LeedsUnited.News’ run through of which players will stay, and which players could go.
13 Leeds players out on loan, which players could go?
Leave permanently:
Diego Llorente (Roma)
Llorente has once again said he would like to join Roma permanently. The only sticking point is going to be the value of the player’s move. Forza Roma say Leeds have £15.8m permanent clause – but Roma do not want to exceed £9m.
Helder Costa (Al-Ittihad)
Costa has played just 15 times for Al-Ittihad under Nuno Espirito Santo this season, scoring two goals. His contract at Leeds ends in June 2024, but even if there might be a lack of interest – you can expect a mutual termination.
Alfie McCalmont (Carlisle)
Like Costa, Northern Ireland international McCalmont is out of contract in June 2024. He has caught the eye again out on loan with two goals in 12 for the League Two side. He needs a permanent move, ideally to a League One side.
Stuart McKinstry (Motherwell)
McKinstry, 20, is out of contract at Leeds in the summer. He has had a hand in six goals in 23 games for boyhood club Motherwell this season – but it is not enough to earn a new deal. Likely that he signs permanently at Fir Park.
Jack Jenkins (Salford City)
Jenkins has endured a dismal season. Just 11 outings all season for Salford, who are of course owned by the likes of Gary Neville and Nicky Butt. His deal ends in 2024 and he might go on loan again, but Leeds will want him sold.
Ian Poveda (Blackpool)
The winger is still on the comeback trail from his broken leg – and has shown the odd glimpse at Blackpool. But it is not enough to convince Leeds to keep him and it is likely that having signed him on a free, Leeds could let him go.
Another loan:
Jamie Shackleton (Millwall)
Shackleton, 23, has been a constant for Millwall – playing 35 times. But 18 of those have been from the bench. Millwall have a permanent option but it might be they are not convinced to sign him. Another loan seems likely.
Dan James (Fulham)
Like Shackleton, a frustrating season for James. He left Leeds to join Fulham on loan in order to get game time but it has not worked out like that. If we stay up, he goes on loan. If we go down, he could actually stay at Elland Road.
Lew Bate (Oxford United)
Bate had enjoyed a relatively successful season at Oxford before breaking a bone in his hand and missing the last few matches. But a solid season. A loan in the Championship is likely to be the next step for the ex-Chelsea man.
Joe Gelhardt (Sunderland)
Joffy got his second goal for Sunderland over the Easter break. But it has been a struggling spell on loan at the Black Cats so far. With Georgie Rutter, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo ahead, it is likely he leaves the club on loan.
Tyler Roberts is back at Leeds after his QPR loan spell ended due to injury – but it is likely he recovers from fitness and if Leeds stay in the Premier League, another loan is organised. Relegation, and he could stay with us.
Stay with squad for 23-24:
Leo Hjelde (Rotherham)
Still only 19, Hjelde has been excellent for Rotherham since joining the Championship side on loan. Playing at left-back, the Norwegian could be the long-term answer to an issue that has been long-standing on the left of defence.
Charlie Cresswell (Millwall)
Cresswell is seen as a potential future captain of Leeds but he needed game time this season. He has been superb alongside Shackleton, scoring five goals in 30 games. With Llorente likely to go, Leeds have a perfect replacement.
Cody Drameh (Luton Town)
Drameh might have thought his Leeds future was over last summer. But as things stand, the form of Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen is up and down – while Drameh is shining at Luton. He surely returns and has a chance to start.
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