Leeds United Unlikely To Make Deal Permanent In Summer

Leeds United are unlikely to sign Burnley full-back Connor Roberts on a permanent deal this summer with the 28-year-old expected to return to Turf Moor, according to Graeme Bailey.

The Yorkshire outfit signed Roberts on loan in the January transfer window, and the Welsh defender has gone on to make eight appearances for the Whites in the Championship, scoring once.

The former Swansea City man commenced the season brightly for the Clarets under Vincent Kompany in the Premier League, starting eight of the first nine games. However, his chances were less fleeting after that and the right-back made just five more substitute appearances before departing for Elland Road.

Since arriving, Roberts has been unable to push youngster Archie Gray out of the side, with the midfielder being the preferred option to feature at right-back this season under Daniel Farke. Due to this, the loanee has started just one game since he agreed to join on loan.

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Bailey is claiming that Leeds are unlikely to make the deal permanent this summer, with Rasmus Kristensen expected to arrive back at the club from his loan at Roma. Sam Byram is another option, but he has also struggled to nail down a starting place ahead of Gray.

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Bailey had this to say regarding Robert’s future in a recent interview with Leeds United News.

“You’ve got squad players but what does Roberts offer that Sam Byram doesn’t, kind of thing. It is a tough one but I don’t see him being a long-term part for Leeds, being honest. I would be surprised if he came in.”

The Whites are currently at the top of the Championship table, although Leicester City below them do have a game in hand. Farke’s side face a trip away to Vicarage Road next Friday to face strugglers Watford, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Writer’s View

Roberts has not had the desired impact that either he or the club would have wanted since joining, and a return to Burnley in the summer represents a good decision for all parties if Leeds United decide not to try make his loan stint a permanent one.

The Clarets may stay up in the Premier League in the final ten games, but if they don’t, bringing the 28-year-old back to the club in the Championship would be a clever move. He’s a player who knows the division well and played a key role in their promotion campaign in the 2022/23 season.

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