This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Leeds United fans have been worried this week about the prospect of Eddie Nketiah being recalled from his loan and heading off to Bristol City.
The striker hasn’t played regularly for Leeds since joining this summer from Arsenal, and with the Robins waiting in the wings, there has been a discussion about the possibility of Nketiah going back to the Gunners and then down to Ashton Gate.
Of course, this is a big concern, but there is another loanee who is in danger of being recalled.
What’s been said then?
In his Q&A session on The Athletic, Phil Hay was asked whether or not Leeds are in danger of losing Nketiah.
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He replied his honest thoughts about the 20-year-old, but he also gave his view on Jack Clarke’s current situation.
“Yes if he doesn’t play enough.
“That’s the same with all loan deals like this – and the basis on which Jack Clarke will surely go back to Spurs.”
Let him go
Leeds’ position in this situation is both fortunate and unfortunate at the same time.
Unfortunately, Hay is right. Spurs won’t want Clarke’s development halted like this, and they will likely recall him at the first possible opportunity as he’s yet to play a single minute of league football for the Whites this season.
After all, it’s already been reported that could be the case.
The upside to this is that the teenager’s departure won’t affect the team all that much – especially given his lack of game time.
United are in such a strong position in the fact that they can allow a £10m winger leave the club without raising an eyebrow, but of course, they’d rather have him as an option than not.
However, they shouldn’t change anything about the way they want to lineup just to appease Spurs, so for that reason, they may be best off letting Clarke return to the London club.
The 18-year-old won’t be missed.