Alfie McCalmont has told the Carlisle News & Star that he would love to rejoin Carlisle United after the Leeds United midfielder helped his loan side gain promotion to League One in the play-offs – having joined the club in January.
McCalmont, 23, went on loan for the third time of his career in January – after previous spells at Oldham and with Morecambe. The Northern Ireland international, who has played twice for Leeds, helped Carlisle win in the play-offs.
Indeed, McCalmont became an important part of Carlisle’s side – scoring two goals in 19 games for the club. Now, he returns to Leeds with a year left on his Elland Road deal. He last played for Leeds in 2019, under Marcelo Bielsa.
His time at Leeds is all but done, and he was asked about his future during an interview with the News & Star. The Thorp Arch academy product stated that he has to return to Leeds to sort his future – but he would love to rejoin.
“I have loved my time here, obviously the fans have supported me as soon as I came in. I have played a lot of games which was what the manager wanted me to do when I came but I will just have to see what comes in the summer.
“I have to obviously go back to Leeds and speak to them and see what the plan is, but obviously coming back here is something I would love to do,” McCalmont continued, clearly aware that he has little future at Elland Road.
McCalmont would love to rejoin Carlisle after Leeds star gains promotion
It is a no-brainer for all parties involved. McCalmont is not even a consideration for first-team football, which is a shame given how good he had been during his teen years with the 21’s – earning his senior debut under Bielsa.
The likes of Archie Gray, Darko Gyabi and Lew Bate are all far ahead of him in terms of the young midfielders that are breaking through into the senior side. If there is a chance for McCalmont to leave permanently, he should go.
If Carlisle can only afford to bring him in on loan, then he should be allowed to do so. Leeds should hardly be asking for a fee for McCalmont given he last played for the club back in 2019. That allows Carlisle to be able to do a deal.
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