Huge setback for leeds as three key players announce departure with potential late move

Middlesbrough have completed the loan signing of Leeds United midfielder, Sam Greenwood, and West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City are battling for another rising star being tipped to make way, per reports.

Greenwood, 21, joined Leeds when plucked from Arsenal’s academy back in 2020. The Whites paid a fee in the region of £1.5m and the midfielder has gone on to develop a reputation for being a set piece specialist.

However, his dead ball abilities won’t be utilised at Elland Road this season.

Indeed, a season-long loan switch to Middlesbrough has been confirmed by the two clubs involved.

Responding to the coup, Boro boss Michael Carrick said: “Sam is a really talented player. He’s two-footed and he gives us greater flexibility.

“We’re looking forward to working with both him and Lewis O’Brien, and helping them develop as players.”

O’Brien completed a loan move of his own to the Riverside earlier on Thursday when joining from Nottingham Forest.

Three more exits possible
Elsewhere, the Athletic report Cody Drameh, Leo Hjelde and Darko Gyabi could all leave Elland Road before tomorrow night’s 11pm deadline.

The YEP’s Graham Smyth reported Leeds have rejected a permanent bid for Gyabi worth up to £4m from French side Valenciennes. Leeds reportedly favour a loan exit for the 19-year-old holding midfielder.

But the bigger story undoubtedly revolves around Drameh who despite impressing in separate loan spells with Cardiff and Luton last season, appears to have no future in west Yorkshire.

Indeed, the loan acquisition of Djed Spence has placed another obstacle in Drameh’s path. Club slatwart Luke Ayling is also on the books.

The Athletic report Championship pair Birmingham and West Brom are both hovering over Drameh. Birmingham in particular favour a loan deal which would be a pre-cursor to Drameh’s spell at Leeds ending for good.

Indeed, his current contract expires next summer, meaning a loan spell would see him become a free agent when it expires.

If either Birmingham or West Brom were able to land Drameh on loan, it stands to reason they’d be the frontrunners to sign him outright once the loan concludes.

The Athletic claimed Drameh is ‘not part of Daniel Farke’s plans’ following Spence’s arrival.