I mean, it would be a bit of a surprise giving how things have worked out thus far.
But according to Marcelo Bielsa, he’s hoping that on-loan forward Eddie Nketiah stays at Elland Road not just through the rest of this season, but also going into the 2020/21 season as well.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game with Middlesbrough, Bielsa explained how it would act as an opportunity for both the club and the player to grow together:
“I hope he continues here (in January and beyond) and I also hope that he wishes to stay with us. I think that if he stays and I think if he stays his integration to Leeds is going to be good that he stays after January with us and one more year.”
Forgive me if I’m a little bit sceptical about all this, but I’m very much in the position of ‘I’ll believe it when I see it”. What sort of indication is there to make someone like Nketiah believe that he has a future at Elland Road? Given his lack of minutes under Bielsa so far this season, why should we or Nketiah be led to believe that things will be any different going forward?
And let’s say Leeds United finally manage to get promotion, if he isn’t developing into a player good enough to get substantial minutes in the Championship, then why should he instantly be transformed into someone that can be any use to Leeds United if and when they get promoted.
If Bielsa really does have faith in Nketiah both staying and contributing next season for Leeds United, then there really needs to be showing that off a lot more. When he comes back from his injury, show him and the fans that you really think that he is worth keeping.
Would you take Nketiah on loan for the 2020/21 season?
Yes, absolutely, keep him here
No, we will need better in the Prem
It would also go some way to working out if these Rhian Brewster reports have got any legs to them.