Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes it is paramount that Leeds United are promoted this year – and thinks the recall of Jack Clarke could allow the Whites to make a signing that makes the difference in January.
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Clarke was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur last week with the winger getting little game time during his spell at Leeds that followed his summer move from Elland Road, and Robinson theorises that his wages could free up the finances to bring in a player to help secure top-flight football next season.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson explained how important it was that Leeds go up this season, and must now put all their eggs in one basket to make this campaign the one where they finally reach the top tier of English football once again.
He said: “On Jack Clarke, I think it’s a really big opportunity for the manager to replace him because, with him signing for Tottenham, his wages will have been in a different bracket to what they were last year.
“Leeds will have been paying his wages and I think it’s a really good opportunity for the manager to go and get a player on the same sort of wages.
“As much as you’d like to develop the youth and bring the youth lads through, I think it’s so important now that Leeds go up.
“It’s absolutely crucial every resource that can possibly be used in January is used and the aim is for promotion.”
It certainly seemed in Leeds’ (and Spurs’) best interests to see Clarke go, with the 19-year-old a peripheral figure for much of this season.
One would imagine that despite Leeds’ lack of recent spending, cash will have been freed up by Clarke’s departure, while they have hardly reinvested since selling him to Spurs last summer in the first place.
Therefore, an arrival in January, be it on loan or a permanent deal, could easily be on the cards with the prize of promotion within Marcelo Bielsa’s grasp as the Whites top the Championship going into 2020.
Whether the Argentinian will heed Robinson’s advice remains to be seen, though there could now be room for an arrival in the January window.
Leeds fans, do you need more signings to ensure promotion? Let us know in the comments below!
