Leeds United prospect Lewis Bate has agreed a loan move to MK Dons, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Sidcup-born 21-year-old has been capped by England at Under 20 level but has found opportunities hard to come by with the Whites this season. He’s appeared just once for Daniel Farke’s side, coming on in the final minute of their victory against Shrewsbury in the League Cup back in August. He has appeared for their Under 21 side, most recently against Spurs in December.
Should he move to MK Dons, he joins a side pushing hard for promotion out of League Two. They struggled under Graham Alexander at the start of the season but have been on a fine run under Mike Williamson, winning six of their last eight League Two matches.
🚨Understand Leeds midfielder Lewis Bate has agreed a loan move to MK Dons. #LUFC #MKDons
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 19, 2024
Bate spent the 2022/23 campaign out on loan in League One with Oxford United, making 35 appearances. His performances at the Kassam were impressive, with four assists and a goal. Ironically, the goal came against MK Dons. He played a key role for the U’s as they secured safety under Liam Manning, but he missed a considerable amount of game time through injury at the end of the season, not appearing after March 18th and not coming back into the Leeds Under 21 side until late September.
A former Chelsea academy graduate, Bate has made five appearances for Leeds since joining in 2021. Two of those have been in the Premier League under Jesse Marsch, but in the 18 months that have followed, the youngster has managed no further starts for the Yorkshire outfit.
He was linked with a departure this summer, but a move never materialised. Rumours of a departure have continued to circulate, with the club reportedly happy to sell him this transfer window also.
Writer’s View
This could be a huge capture for MK Dons. Bate wasn’t just on loan at Oxford last season; he played a key role for them. His high energy and industry gave them a heartbeat in midfield, and it seemed a given he’d be loaned back into League One at the very least.
If he does join MK Dons, it is a huge coup. There might be question marks over whether he can replicate his Oxford form, given his long lay-off last season, but as a young player, he’s sure to have an answer to those questions.
There’s no doubt he’ll be going to Stadium MK to put himself in the shop window and if he gets minutes, there’s sure to be an auction for him in the summer.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
