Same old story for attacker who left Leeds United this summer, ‘best player’ in 1st half but ‘lost’ in 2nd

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Sam Greenwood finally sealed his permanent exit from Leeds United this summer, taking a surprising route to Poland.

Leeds United won the Championship title last season and it was bound to see a wave of players leave the club, with another wave arriving at Elland Road.

And so far, so good for Daniel Farke. Last time out, Leeds United beat Wolves 3-1 in a much-needed win which saw goals come from three of the club’s summer signings, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In the end, Leeds United signed 10 new names this summer and spent £100million on their new signings. Meanwhile, 12 players either left on free transfers, permanent ones, or on loan, including Sam Greenwood.

The former Arsenal man had spent five years with Leeds but failed to ever really make an impression on the first-team. Now he’s plying his trade in Poland with top flight side Pogon.

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Sam Greenwood given mixed verdict at Pogon after Leeds United exit

Greenwood had certainly shown promise during Championship loan spells with the likes of Preston and Middlesbrough, and there would no doubt have been plenty of Championship clubs willing to take a punt on the 23-year-old. But Pogon signed Greenwood in a £3million deal that came as a huge surprise to everyone, and Greenwood has since made three appearances for his new team.

Last time out though, Pogon lost 4-3 against Lechia in an entertaining game on home soil, with Greenwood even grabbing his first assist for the club. But the Englishman was given a 4/10 rating in the end after what was clearly a game of two halves for the ex-Leeds United man.

Polish outlet GS24 wrote: “The best player on the pitch until halftime. He saw a lot, made interesting plays, and passed to his teammates. Assisted Molnar’s goal. But after the break, he was lost. He chased the ball but was unable to take control of the team’s play.”

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Same old story for Sam Greenwood after Leeds United exit

Greenwood’s latest performance shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. In fact, speaking to Leeds United News this summer, Preston North End expert Olly Dawes gave his review on Greenwood’s time at Preston, which echoed what GS24 said about his latest performance.

Dawes explained: “Up until the end of 2024, it was all going well. From his debut against Sheffield United to the win on 29 December, Greenwood hit seven goals and two assists, stepping up as one of our most reliable attackers.

“Greenwood was a joy to watch v Sheffield Wednesday and left many fans desperate for a permanent deal in January. What happened from there is a complete mystery; no goals and one assist in 21 games.

“He almost became invisible, influential to so ineffectual. His inability to release the ball at the right time left fans tearing their hair out. Greenwood would either fail to spot a pass or hold onto it for too long.”

Consistency then seems to be Greenwood’s biggest challenge. But with a new, permanent home and regular game time, he should be able to combat that issue after what was a turbulent few years with Leeds United.