Leeds United are set to lose Leo Hjelde and Lewis Bate in January, given they are now exiled in the U21s.
The Whites are unlikely to lose many players when the January transfer window opens in less than two weeks, but some difficult decisions must be made.
This season has been difficult for fringe players due to the extra depth that Daniel Farke has to offer, as well as the fact that rotation does not appear to be on the German’s mind at the moment.
Leo Hjelde and Lewis Bate were two players that looked like they could have had a part to play this season after EFL loans in 22/23, but that hasn’t been the case at all.
Instead, they are consigned to the U21s at the moment, where they still look a cut above the rest but are not any closer to changing Farke’s mind on the matter.
Hjelde, at 20, has plenty of senior experience already under his belt through loans at Ross County and Rotherham United previously, while Bate’s stint at Oxford United helped him get to grips with senior football, although he wasn’t exactly a standout in an off-season for the U’s.
Bate and Hjelde set to leave Leeds—Phil Hay
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has now shared an important update on the duo, revealing that, as they remain out of Farke’s plans, they are likely to be sold in the new year.
“In contrast, United are very open to interest in Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde, neither of whom is in the picture at all. Bate’s deal is six months from ending.”
As Hay points out, Bate’s contract is up at the end of the season, while Hjelde’s is due to expire in the summer of 2025, as both joined the club in the summer of 2021 from Chelsea and Celtic, respectively.
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