Daniel Farke is eager to avoid losing anyone from his Leeds United squad this month.
With Leeds very much in the hunt for automatic promotion, Farke is said to have made it clear to his players that they will have to stay at Elland Road for the rest of the season, irrespective of their situation.
However, following Leeds’ 3-0 win over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day, Farke appeared to soften his stance somewhat in regards to one player, who is attracting a lot of interest.
That man is Charlie Cresswell. Farke said after the game that although he wants him to stay, it is also important for the club to take into account what the player wants too.
And speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Athletic journalist Phil Hay has reported that Cresswell is indeed unhappy with his current lack of minutes at Elland Road.
Leeds should let Cresswell go
He said: “Cresswell’s situation is interesting. There’s loads of interest in him as you’d expect. Both he and Gelhardt have basically been told over the last few weeks they will be staying and needed.
“Farke was saying [after Birmingham] Cresswell is a player they don’t want to go, but he did caveat that you’ve got to consider the wishes of the player as well.
“Cresswell is definitely not happy with the lack of minutes, he’s just not getting a look in at all. Wasn’t on the bench against Birmingham, Farke wanted more creativity with Poveda.
“He will want to play and if you’re not even getting into the matchday squad you very quickly reach the mindset, why do you want me to stay?”
With both Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper potentially on the sidelines, Cresswell could come in for his start since August in the FA Cup trip to Peterborough United tomorrow.
Cresswell has played just one minute of football in the last four months and at this stage of his career, that is simply no where near enough for him to fulfil his potential.
Leeds should look to move Cresswell on for the good of his career, but at the same time, must have a replacement lined up as well.
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