Leeds United appear to be closing in on their second signing of the summer, with Rasmus Kristensen agreeing personal terms ahead of a £10 million move to Elland Road (Telegraph).
Kristensen appears to be another exciting addition. He will not cost a lot. And he arrives off the back of a campaign in which he scored 10 goals in all competitions from right-back. He is also someone Jesse Marsch knows well from his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
The move makes a lot of sense with both Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas currently injured. But it also leaves a question mark hanging over the futures of a couple of other players.
Cody Drameh left on loan in January due to his struggles to get into the team. And he went on to shine for Cardiff City. Certainly, Leeds need to have a serious think about how they get the best out of him in the years to come.
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If Drameh kicks on, he could be an amazing talent in the future. And with that, it does appear that Kristensen’s arrival may not be the best news for Jamie Shackleton.
We have desperately wanted Shackleton to become a first-team regular for several years now. Under Marcelo Bielsa, he shone at right-back and in central midfield. However, he has never quite been able to take that next step and become a consistent starter.
Injury has also hurt him at times. And now, he could find himself even further down the right-back pecking order.
Kristensen signing may be ominous for Jamie Shackleton at Leeds
Perhaps Marsch will look to use him in midfield more often. But Shackleton turns 23 in October. He has every right to be unsatisfied with a bit-part role.
A loan move to a team towards the top of the Championship may be the best option. But unfortunately, a permanent exit probably cannot be taken off the table as things stand.
Ideally, we would keep Shackleton for as long as possible. He is an outstanding professional. And he rarely lets the team down when he does play.
But football doesn’t often work like that. If Kristensen arrives, some tough conversations about Shackleton’s future may be needed.