‘Huge blow’ – Pundit left in rage over Leeds transfer development

Carlton Palmer has been left in a rage over the lack of first-team football afforded to Cody Drameh at Leeds United, amid an update on his Elland Road future.

The Whites are reportedly considering offering the defender who is currently on loan with Birmingham City, a new contract to secure a compensation fee, as Drameh has no intention of accepting the terms [Phil Hay, 17 November].

By offering the defender a new deal, Leeds ensures they are entitled to compensation given Drameh’s age but it is clear that his future lies away from Elland Road and Palmer believes that the Whites could miss out on a very good player.

As quoted by Football League World (23 November) he said: “Cody Drameh, Leeds United’s talented right-back who is currently on loan to Birmingham City, has said he will not sign a new contract.

“The 21-year-old is having a fine season with Birmingham, but he will walk away from Leeds in the summer with the club only receiving compensation and not a fee. This in my opinion will be a huge blow for the club.

“Cody played an integral part in Luton getting promoted to the Premier League last season and has shown great promise – he’s still only 21 and seemingly with a bright future ahead of him. Leeds could be missing out on a player with the potential to be a considerable asset over the years to come as he continues his development.”

Huge blow

It is hard to judge whether or not Palmer is right to suggest that this really is a huge blow to Leeds United at this stage of the season, as it is hard to imagine just how the right-back position will be filled in the coming seasons at Elland Road.

Currently, with Luke Ayling, Djed Spence, Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton, the Whites do not need Drameh as they have more than enough competitive options to feature on the right side of defence in the Championship.

But Ayling’s deal expires at the end of the season and Spence has only been signed on a season-long loan, so there is every chance that Daniel Farke’s side could be promoted to the Premier League with Gray and Shackleton as their only right-back options.

Drameh has performed well this season in the Championship and impressed for Luton last season, but it remains to be seen whether he can cut it at Elland Road. If losing him allows Farke to sign Spence permanently, it is unlikely to be a deal many Leeds fans lose sleep over.

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