Leeds must not make same mistake again as promotion rivals now join race to sign Whites’ 21-year-old – opinion

Add as preferred source on Google

Ipswich Town are hoping to strengthen their Championship promotion push by signing a player from Leeds United during the January transfer window.

The Tractor Boys have been outstanding for much of this campaign. But Kieran McKenna’s side have not won any of their last four games, losing 4-0 at Leeds just before Christmas. So January could be important for them.

And according to the Sunday Mirror (31/12; page 72), one player on Ipswich’s radar is Charlie Cresswell.

Leeds should be wary as Ipswich join Charlie Cresswell race

The Sunday Mirror reports that Cresswell is considering leaving Leeds in January, either on loan or permanently. And Ipswich are reportedly the latest side to join the race for his signature.

Leeds are surely not going to simply loan Cresswell to Ipswich. So you would presume that they will be eyeing an agreement which leads to a permanent deal.

Admittedly, Cresswell has been a peripheral figure this season. He has not started a league game since August. And he has barely been on the bench in the months since.

But Leeds only need to look at the Ipswich squad to realise that selling them Cresswell could really come back to haunt them.

Selling Leif Davis was definitely a mistake

Leif Davis had a nightmare on his return to Elland Road this month. He scored an own goal and he gave away a penalty in the 4-0 loss.

However, that is probably the first time that Leeds have come close to being vindicated for selling Davis. The 24-year-old has been superb for Ipswich. No player in the Championship has contributed more assists than the defender.

Leeds meanwhile, have struggled to find someone to rely on in the left-back position. Sam Byram, at his best, is one of the best in the division. But fitness has unfortunately been an issue for the academy graduate.

Leeds sold Davis while they were in the Premier League and he was well down the pecking order. So it seemed to make sense at the time.

But he would be a very good addition to the side now. And that should be in the back of Leeds’ mind if Ipswich make a move for Cresswell.

Cresswell is barely playing right now. But Joe Rodon is only on loan and Liam Cooper is unlikely to improve at this stage of his career. So Cresswell’s time may well come.

And if we sell him to Ipswich, we should not be at all surprised if he follows in Davis’ footsteps and ends up having a really positive impact on their push to secure back-to-back promotions.