Northampton Town Face Fight To Re-Sign Loanee

Northampton Town will face a battle to re-sign Brighton Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard on loan this summer, due to two separate scenarios, as confirmed by journalist Darren Witcoop.

The midfielder had an impressive loan stint at Sixfields, helping the club to achieve promotion back into League One for the 2023/24 season, but a return to the club isn’t as straight forward as the Cobblers would have hoped.

Who is Marc Leonard?

The 21-year-old began his youth career with SPFL side Hearts, before completing a transfer to Brighton in July 2018, moving into their u18’s side. His spell at Sixfields was the Scottish midfielders first ever loan spell in his professional career.

Last season, he made 48 appearances in all competitions for Northampton, with 45 of them coming in League Two. He also managed one goal and one assist for the club, with his goal coming, during a 2-2 draw against Sutton United in October.

League One awaits

After missing out on promotion, during the 2021/22 season, Northampton Town were keen to avoid a second end of season slip up during the 2022/23 campaign. Fortunately, despite the competitiveness of the division, the Cobblers secured 3rd place, via a final day win against Tranmere Rovers to confirm their place in the third tier.

What’s been said?

According to journalist Darren Witcoop, there are two separate issues that Northampton Town will face, when it comes to re-signing the midfielder this summer.

Firstly, fellow League One side Bristol Rovers are interested in signing the midfielder, ensuring that Northampton will face competition from a more-established League One side.

Secondly, Witcoop also confirms that Brighton Hove Albion have got their eyes on Leonard going to a Championship club next season, instead of making the expected move into League One. This could rule both Northampton and Bristol Rovers out.

Writer’s View

Leonard had a terrific season with Northampton, featuring in 45 of their 46 league games, meaning it is no surprise that they are keen to re-sign the midfielder on loan this summer.

However, with Brighton wanting to send him into the Championship, it would almost definitely rule Northampton out, which would deal a huge blow to their transfer plans, ensuring they’d have to search for an alternative option.