It won’t just be established first-team names leaving Leeds United this summer. The Whites have a number of promising young players who will be striving to make the step up to senior football this time around and Leeds can be expected to utilise the loan market.
United saw success by sending a number of players out on loan last season and after excelling away from Elland Road, the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Leo Hjelde and Cody Drameh could all have roles to play in the Whites’ first-team under the new head coach. Reports have already suggested that Sonny Perkins could be one man set for a loan this time around, before the start of the Championship and if that is the case, it seems others might follow.
Here’s a look at five of last season’s Under-21 stars who could get benefit from spending time from a loan move this season.
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Sonny Perkins
Sunderland, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers have been linked with Perkins’ services by Teamtalk and with his path to senior minutes in West Yorkshire appearing crowded at present, a loan switch might just make sense for the England U19 international. Perkins scored 14 in total last season, including one in the FA Cup against Cardiff City and his performances were enough to suggest he is ready for senior minutes.
He’d leave Leeds eager to prove a point and given the time on the field and the encouragement, he could flourish. The Whites would certainly keep a keen eye on his progress, too, with a view to a first-team role down the line.
Jeremiah Mullen
Mullen was one of the heroes for the U21s in their play-off final win over Nottingham Forest, bagging a goal of the season contender to put the Whites firmly in control of the contest. He’s not exactly known for his goals, but he has built up a strong reputation due to his defensive talent.
The 19-year-old is still waiting to make a senior debut, despite being named on Leeds’ first-team bench on several occasions. This season could be a big one for him, though, as he looks to take the next step and a loan move might just provide the platform for him to do that.
Kris Moore
Moore was arguably one of the U21s’ most underrated players last season. The defender was solid throughout, played a range of positions across the backline and handled almost everything that came his way with poise and conviction to help United to promotion.
The 19-year-old, who turns 20 in November, will likely find first-team opportunities hard to come by at Elland Road this season. But, a temporary move away might just allow him to build on the momentum he found last season and send out a statement as his Whites’ contract approaches its expiration date.
Charlie Allen
Another player who probably didn’t get the plaudits he deserved last season. The Northern Irishman was the U21s’ best player at times during the campaign, particularly after the World Cup break and he managed to find the spark the Whites needed on a regular basis.
Like Moore, he’s out of contract at the end of the season, but he is now in need of first-team minutes to kick on and establish himself within the game. Those chances probably won’t come consistently at Elland Road this season meaning a loan might well be his best opportunity to play week in, week out against men.
Diogo Monteiro
Monteiro was one of the youngest members of Leeds’ U21s squad last season, having turned 18 in late January, but he is also one of the most promising and the club will be monitoring his progress carefully. The Portugal U18 international has seen senior action before, during his time in Switzerland, and he will be keen to taste it once more before too long in order to continue his development.
With Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Leo Hjelde and Charlie Cresswell already at the club and Nat Phillips being linked, Monteiro might struggle for regular opportunities in the Championship. A loan away would allow him to take the steps forward, hone his talent and learn, though, and that could be an option Leeds explore as they look to do their best by their young players.
