Sam Greenwood’s future at Leeds United remains uncertain. And now the former Arsenal young player has given a strong hint that he may be off.
Sam Greenwood is on loan again, this time with Preston North End, and he is excelling. Under former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom, Greenwood has seven goals in all competitions this season.
Greenwood has five Championship goals in 26 appearances with the Lilywhites. It was unclear whether Leeds would recall Greenwood in January, but he remains at Deepdale, much to Heckingbottom’s joy.
The 23-year-old is under contract at Elland Road until 2026. However, since joining Leeds in 2021, the attacker has made only 35 appearances for the Whites and scored once.
Though it remains unclear whether he will be a Leeds player next season, sources in December suggested that Daniel Farke was willing to move Greenwood during the January transfer window.
Leeds United star Sam Greenwood addresses his future.
Greenwood spoke with the Lancashire Evening Post about what the summer ahead holds for him, with Preston having the option to buy the Englishman at the end of the season.
Greenwood stated that he will seriously explore a move to Deepdale, saying, “Obviously, I always focus on the present and each game as it comes. Each season passes so swiftly. I’ll wait and see what happens at the conclusion of the season, but Preston will undoubtedly be a factor.
“This is a significant decision. I’m in the present moment, and I’ll get to that at the end of the season. It’s only one of them. I’m not really thinking about that right now. I just want to focus on my football, play as much as I can, and make things happen for my club.”
If Leeds are promoted, Greenwood may be forced to leave because he is not someone Farke can rely on in the top flight. If Leeds continue to play in the Championship, the decision will be more difficult.
What Paul Heckingbottom Really Thinks About Sam Greenwood
Heckingbottom is working on a Deepdale reconstruction. Without a doubt, he’ll want to create a team around players like Greenwood, who are still young but seasoned and proven in the Championship.
Heckingbottom has praised Greenwood’s ability several times, most recently in January. He stated of the Leeds loanee, “Sam is enjoying it here. He gets what we want from him and meets our expectations, which suits him.
“He adores football and enjoys playing. He wants to improve and believes he’s getting it here. Not only the opportunity on the pitch, but we work with him on the analysis side of things on the training ground.”
Preston seem to have some key players out of contract in the summer and so a decision on Greenwood could be put on the backburner very briefly. Though if both Preston and Greenwood are keen to make their relationship permanent, don’t expect Leeds to stand in the way.
