The deadline for Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell’s recall from his loan spell at Millwall has long since passed (as per Beren Cross of Leeds Live). This sees him set to remain at the London club for the rest of the season.
More significantly for Leeds supporters, this development also means Cresswell will remain a Whites player for now – amid speculation concerning a permanent departure to a Championship side this January.
Touted by those involved in his development at Leeds as a future England international, the young centre-back was loaned out to Millwall last summer to gain some minutes.
Cresswell’s time at The Den started brightly, with the 20-year-old managing to grab a brace in his first outing for Gary Rowatt’s side: a 2-0 win over Stoke City in the Championship.
His impact has since faded however as Cresswell now frequently finds himself absent from Rowatt’s starting XI. He has played just one minute of Championship football since the World Cup.
Cresswell’s lack of game time at The Den gave rise to rumours concerning Leeds recalling him from his loan. Several other Championship clubs were also believed to be interested in the youngster, Sunderland on loan and Middlesbrough in a permanent deal believed to be in the region of £4m.
With the deadline for this recall having passed a significant amount of time ago, Cresswell looks set to remain in London – along with fellow Leeds loanee Jamie Shackleton – for the time being.
Surprising
Given Cresswell’s lack of minutes down at Millwall, it is slightly surprising that the Leeds board haven’t activated his recall.
After all, what is the point of a loan if the player isn’t featuring to aid in their development?
With a host of other Championship sides reportedly keen on Cresswell, it seemed a no-brainer to bring him back and then send him somewhere where he’ll actually play.
An odd decision by the board, perhaps, but the 20-year-old’s future is still one to watch with keen interest for any Leeds supporter.
