Noel Whelan has concerns for Leeds United should Ben White, Eddie Nketiah and Jack Clarke be recalled by their parent clubs.
When the pundit spoke exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “Losing the loan players in January is a big fear for Leeds. The parent clubs have all the power.”
Nketiah is yet to start in the Championship, which is also a topic Whelan spoke about: “Obviously, the Nketiah one has been talked about a lot as he’s made a big impact but is still waiting for his first Championship start.”
Despite not starting, the youngster has scored three goals in 10 Championship appearances off the bench, his only two starts came in the league cup, which he took full advantage of by scoring twice.
White is another player the pundit individually commented on: “Ben White is different as he’s played every game. The worry is not so much that Brighton will want him back, but that big Premier League clubs will make them an offer they can’t refuse.”
What would Leeds be losing should these players leave?
White has played 1440 minutes in the Championship this season, whereas Nketiah has played just 265 minutes, however, the striker has been extremely efficient, scoring three goals from just 12 shots all season.
White has brought consistency, with an amazing WhoScored average rating of 7.22/10 so far this Championship season, he also averages 1.9 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game.
You don’t need us to tell you how important and popular both these players are to us this season and how key they have been in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, but like Whelan said: “The parent clubs have all the power.”
Whilst this is true, there are behind the scenes politics that will likely happen, so perhaps the situation isn’t as black and white as we all think and maybe those clubs will prefer to see their players remain at Elland Road for the foreseeable future and continue their developmental plan. Let’s not forget, we still have a number of games to play before the January transfer window, so anything could happen between now and then.
Should Leeds lose even one of these players in January they would have to be immediately replaced, as a promotion pushing side can’t afford to get weaker if they are to stand a chance.