The January transfer window has only just opened, but Leeds are already two players worse off than they were a couple of weeks ago as Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah have both been recalled by Tottenham and Arsenal respectively.
This could mean that Leeds may look at dipping back into the transfer market to sign a couple of replacements, but they may have to go about it another way.
One man they’re targeting to replace Nketiah is Rhian Brewster, but Phil Hay has already said that game time could be an issue as Liverpool would want assurances that he will play.
Therein lies the issue with Bielsa’s treatment of loanees. He’s garnering an unwanted reputation that may cost Leeds in future negotiations, especially with the top clubs.
Of the traditional ‘big six’ Leeds have had loan deals from Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea cut short in the past couple of seasons, and Hay’s comments on Brewster show that Liverpool may also have reservations when it comes to sending players to Elland Road.
Of course, dealing with Manchester United is always controversial for Leeds due to the club’s bitter rivalry, and the only other big-six side can have no complaints with Bielsa as they’ve done a brilliant job with developing Man City’s Jack Harrison. He’s drastically improved since first arriving at Elland Road, contributing to 11 goals already this term.
Bielsa needs to be careful or else clubs may begin to think again when the Whites ask to loan one of their promising young talents.
The Argentine needs to treat his loanees from the established Premier League sides a little better. Bridges may well be burnt otherwise.
In other news, Phil Hay has urged Marcelo Bielsa to make one change at Leeds.
