Graham Smyth has written on the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s site that Leeds United star Jamie Shackleton would ‘love nothing more’ than to sign a new deal at Elland Road and remain with the club beyond 2024.
Shackleton, 24, has returned to Leeds this season after a difficult couple of years to play an important role under Daniel Farke. His future was under the microscope in the summer after a loan spell at Millwall.
Especially, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Even his agent said to The Athletic that they might have to find a new permanent home for the versatile ace. But, things have now changed.
This season, he has started six of our 11 Championship games. A sub in one more, an unused sub in two others – and then not in the squad for the last two matches. Shackleton is a key part of Farke’s Leeds.
Smyth has discussed his future. He says that Shackleton would love to sign a new deal at Elland Road. But, should he? When everyone is fit – he will struggle to play for us, and will fall down the pecking order.
“Shackleton would clearly love nothing more than to remain at Leeds beyond the end of his current contract next summer but if the Whites are to be promoted will he play in the Premier League?
“At some point, if Shackleton wants to be as ever-present in a team as Phillips was at Leeds prior to his exit, then following his old pal out the door might be a necessary step,” Smyth says on the YEP’s site.
Smyth: Leeds star Shackleton would love to sign a new deal
Shackleton is the perfect player you want on the bench. One that can give you numerous options as a sub – central midfield, right wing, left wing, right-back, left-back. He can play in all those positions.
But as Smyth says – how long can Shackleton continue to do what he is doing? To be a bit-part player in a side that once promotion has been secured, will continue to fall down the rankings under Farke.
He needs a move quickly. Perhaps come January, when clubs are able to offer pre-contracts – albeit, non-English sides such as Rangers who were keen in the summer – there will be a decision to make.
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