Sheffield Wednesday legend and EFL pundit Carlton Palmer believes that there is still a good chance that Sam Greenwood will return to Leeds United despite having a relatively cheap option-to-buy clause inserted in his loan deal.
Greenwood was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough during the summer, hoping to pick up some much-needed game-time in the Championship, having made just 18 league appearances for the Peacocks last term as the side were relegated back down to the second tier.
The young attacker recently scored a cracking free-kick to put Leicester City to the sword in a 1-0 win for Boro, handing the Foxes just their third defeat of the season but the second in consecutive league matches.
This was Greenwood’s fourth goal of the season in merely 11 matches as Michael Carrick’s side were bumped up to the tenth in the table, within two points of the playoff spots.
The Athletic recently revealed that Middlesbrough have the option to sign the 21-year-old before the end of the season for just £1.5 million which seems like a steal given Greenwood’s performances at the Riverside Stadium.
However, pundit Carlton Palmer believes there is still a chance that Greenwood will remain at Elland Road if Daniel Farke can convince him. Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said:
“Some believe that Leeds are looking foolish over Sam Greenwood.
“Sam would not have started at Leeds United and needed to go out on loan and play.
“The fact he’s doing well is exactly what Leeds United would have hoped for,” he continued.
“Middlesbrough have experience taking players on loan previously and bringing those players on and have found themselves not in a position where they’re able to sign the players.
“Cameron Archer is a classic example so they’ve done it right to get a loan deal with an option to buy.
“This does not mean the player will sign for Middlesbrough, he could end up going back to his parent club Leeds United where he’s contracted until the summer of 2026.
“If the manager of Leeds gives him reasons to believe he will get game time and they’re back in the Premier League, he could still go back to Leeds United.”
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough will almost certainly look to activate Greenwood’s option-to-buy clause before the player heads back to Leeds given they can sign him permanently for a pittance.
However, the youngster is an academy product and so may be convinced to reject a permanent move to Boro if Farke has plans for him in the near future.
Deputy Head of Writing
