Leeds United have a number of decisions to make regarding contracts in the coming months.
The Whites have a total of eight players with deals expiring at the end of the season, a list which includes some big names that have done some great things for this club.
One man whose contract runs out in 2024 is Jamie Shackleton and his situation has come into the limelight after an excellent start to the season that has defied expectations.
As per Phil Hay, Shackleton had been on a list of players expected to depart in the summer but in a new article on the Athletic, he suggested it would not be a surprise if Daniel Farke initiated talks over extending his deal.
Shackleton has started five of Leeds’ seven matches under Farke, who has publicly come out and stated what an ‘unbelievable’ player he thinks he is, as well as how much he ‘loves’ him.
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Leeds should hold off on Shackleton deal
While not many would dispute Shackleton does deserve a new deal on the basis of his performances so far, Leeds should hold off in offering him one.
Too many times in years gone by Leeds have handed new long-term contracts to players who, in terms of their service to the club were worthy of one, but did not have the ability to take the club forward.
Luke Ayling is a clear example of that in the last few months, with a few excellent performances around February time seeing him rewarded with a one-year extension to prevent him from leaving on a free.
However, since that point, Ayling’s form has fallen off a cliff and even though Leeds are no longer in the Premier League, there are huge question marks as to whether he is still good enough.
Shackleton is, of course, slightly different to Ayling in the fact he is almost 10 years younger, but at the same time, if Leeds are to get promoted – what sort of role would he be able to play?
Even now, it is hard to find a role for him in the starting XI as injured bodies begin to make their comeback and with that in mind, Leeds should hold off on a new contract.
San Francisco 49ers Enterprises need to avoid the mistakes of previous regimes and be ruthless in their squad building if Leeds are ever going to reach the heights of their ambitions.