Jamie Shackleton’s Leeds United tenure is almost certainly coming to an end, with a July exit appearing to be certain.
The Whites academy graduate began the season as a fixture in Daniel Farke’s squad, filling in at both full-back positions in the absence of natural choices and also playing midfield.
But as the season went, Shackleton struggled to find consistent minutes, and injuries caught up with him.
Ilia Gruev, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara have taken over the two defensive midfield positions, with Ethan Ampadu being an integral element of the club, moving to centre-back in Pascal Struijk’s absence, while Sam Byram, Junior Firpo, Connor Roberts, and Gray have filled in at full-back.
Shackleton has missed recent games owing to an adductor ailment that has kept him out for weeks, and he had already dealt with illness and the birth of his partner’s first child.
Football is a tough industry, no doubt, but Shackleton is nearing the end of his contract, and a renewal at this point appears impossible to justify. With his contract expiring on June 30, he will be free to join anywhere starting July 1.
Will Jamie Shackleton leave Leeds United this summer?
The 24-year-old has demonstrated that he is more than capable of playing regularly in the Championship, having excelled with Leeds and Millwall on loan last season.
However, the club wants to take him to the next level, and he is at a point in his career where consistent game time is critical.
For Leeds, it will free up finances for wages if they are promoted, but if they are not, it will be further confirmation that they need to strengthen, which means that the players who have rarely featured must also improve.
Farke is a huge admirer, but this is primarily a business choice. It makes sense for all sides that Shackleton is allowed to depart rather than handed a new contract, and he may have already played his final game for the club.
