Jamie Shackleton is set to go out on a season long loan, and it looks like he could be joining up with fellow Leeds youngster Charlie Cresswell at The Den.
According to LeedsLive the 22 year old is ‘on the verge of a Leeds United exit’, and Millwall seems to be the likely destination according to reports. The article states “Jamie Shackleton will not be on the plane to Australia. The academy product may have made his final appearance in Leeds colours against Blackpool on Thursday night”
Shackleton was a product of the youth academy and has been at the club since 2006. He made the breakthrough into the first team in 2018 but since then he has struggled for game time. Playing bit parts for most of the season, and only really featuring as cover for injuries and suspensions. This move could be just the thing he needs to get himself back on the pitch.
In a way you have to feel for Shackleton, he is a midfielder that has been asked to play at right back for large spells of his Leeds United career so far, and you can’t help but wonder if this has held him back at times.
With the arrival of midfield additions to add to Jesse Marsch’s squad, you do feel that his game time is going to be even more limited this season. Leeds have also added players to the right back position and with Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen and even youngster Cody Drameh ahead of him in the pecking order, it seems like a good move for all parties.
Leeds United exit options for Raphinha, Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda with Australia choice. #lufc https://t.co/QMwyH8vfyM
— Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) July 8, 2022
As far as potential suitors go, it is looking very likely he will be heading to London to play in the Championship for The Lions.
‘Reading have long lead the chase for the 22-year-old, with the Championship Tangerines also interested, but an ambitious Millwall have pushed strongly to reunite him with Charlie Cresswell. As with the centre-back’s loan deal, Gary Rowett’s side have impressed Leeds with their ability to cover a large proportion of Shackleton’s wages.’
‘A deal has not yet been finalised for Shackleton, but Reading have real competition from the Lions. Much depends on the player’s keenness to include a permanent option in any loan agreement’.
You have to feel like he would get minutes at Millwall, and he would be a very good addition for the Championship side.
There is now a feeling around Elland Road that the squad is starting to transition away from the Bielsa side that won promotion, and is now starting to resemble more of a Marsch style team. Players have started to exit, Tyler Roberts has gone to QPR and it looks like more are going to be heading out the door before the season kicks off in August.
Recap: Gaffer delight at near perfect performance.