Now that the January transfer window has opened, this will open the doors for plenty of clubs to make some transfer deals to help them strengthen their squads.
For Leeds United, it seems as though they could be set to say goodbye to one of their rarely-seen young talents on a temporary basis.
What’s the word?
In a recent report from the Daily Mail, it has been claimed that Championship club Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Cody Drameh on loan.
The report claims that German clubs Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in signing the defender and that Forest are “keen on including an option to buy in any loan deal for Drameh.”
Since joining Leeds’ U23 side from Fulham’s U23 squad back in August 2020, the 20-year-old has made 33 appearances for the Yorkshire club’s U23 side, chipping in with one goal and four assists in the process.
Drameh, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £4.4k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has also made four senior appearances for Leeds, showing that Marcelo Bielsa has enough faith in him to perform alongside the more senior players at Elland Road.
Even though Drameh has been in ten Premier League matchday squads so far this season for Leeds, it could be better for him and his development to leave on loan and play on a regular basis elsewhere.
Should Leeds allow Drameh to leave on loan this month?
Yes
No
While that would certainly be a plus point for Drameh to go and get regular playing time away from Elland Road until the end of the season, the Yorkshire club should deter from giving the green light on any deal that would include an option to buy the player on a permanent basis.
Labelled as a “revelation” in the past by Tom Hill, Drameh has the capacity to save Victor Orta, Bielsa and the club millions in potential future transfer fees given his age. If he manages to perform well at Forest and comes back ready to play regularly in a Leeds shirt, the youngster could be their future right back.
Moving forward, if the Whites can work out a suitable loan move for the young defender this month that doesn’t involve an option to buy, this would undeniably be the best next step for him.
In other news: Alan Nixon drops worrying Leeds transfer update, it could spell disaster for Bielsa – opinion