Graham Smyth, in a report for the Yorkshire Evening Post, has outlined the likelihood of some of Leeds’ top prospects heading elsewhere this summer.
Charlie Cresswell has Championship clubs “lined up and ready” to take him on loan this summer, with the young centre-back enjoying a breakthrough season both at club and international level, playing his first 5 Premier League games and getting his first call-ups to the England u21 squad, becoming a mainstay in the under-21 setup under Lee Carsley and establishing himself as a key member of Leeds’ first-team squad.
Charlie Cresswell during the warm up for England u21 action against Slovenia Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington
Adam Pope of the BBC has reported that Millwall are one of the sides interested in securing his services for next season, but that it is ‘not a done deal yet’. Norwich is also a rumoured destination but no concrete links have yet been made there.
Cresswell celebrates after Jack Harrison scores against Wolves REUTERS/Craig Brough
Jamie Shackleton is also ‘expected to depart to the Championship’, but his move could potentially be permanent, having struggled to maintain a place in the team this season, despite being able to play both in midfield and at right-back. He was a key member of the promotion-winning side, playing 22 times and scoring twice, including in a memorable win over Derby County.
Shackleton celebrates scoring the second goal at Pride Park Action Images/Carl Recine
Shackleton joined Leeds at the age of seven, twelve years before making his senior debut in August 2018 in a 4-1 win over Derby. He scored Leeds’ final goal of the 2019-20 season, coming off the bench against Charlton, and made his Premier League debut in the memorable opening-day game against reigning champions Liverpool.
Ian Poveda, having come back from his loan at Blackburn Rovers, which was marred by an injury sustained in November, will likely fight for a space in the first-team, as will Cody Drameh, who left for Cardiff City in January despite Bielsa wanting to keep him at Elland Road.
Cody Drameh and Perry Ng after Cardiff City vs Derby County Action Images/Molly Darlington
Despite only being there for half the season, the right-back won both Player of the Season and Youth Player of the Season for the Bluebirds. It is clear that he is ready for Premier League-quality opposition as well, as demonstrated by his performance against Arsenal in the EFL Cup fourth round. With Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas injured, Drameh could make a strong case to be the second-choice right-back this season, only behind new signing Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg.
Last but not least at our 2022 Awards Night is the Player of the Season!
As voted for by our supporters, Cody Drameh wins his second award of the night here at CCS! 🏆
Congratulations, Cody!#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/nyTQB3H0K0
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) April 30, 2022