In the final few moments of the January window, Leeds United finally got a deal over the line for Burnley man Connor Roberts – with his announcement actually made after the deadline had closed.
Roberts, 28, joined Leeds after starring for Burnley last season in their promotion campaign – even earning a place in the Championship Team of the Year. But, he struggled for game time in the top tier.
It saw him join Wales teammates Joe Rodon, Dan James and Ethan Ampadu at Elland Road in January, and has impressed in glimpses since. His goal in the 3-1 win over Leicester City was absolutely crucial.
His assist against Huddersfield, too. But, Roberts – who impressed against Glen Kamara’s Finland last week – has only started two of a possible nine games. He has come on in the other seven matches.
Connor Roberts on strange decision to leave Burnley for Leeds
What the Wales star finds in his way, is Archie Gray. Luke Ayling explained that part of his decision to leave Elland Road in January for Middlesbrough, was due to the “unbelievable” form of teenager Gray.
The youngster continues to go from strength to strength. Only just 18, he scored on his England U21 debut last week. He is constantly surpassing expectation, even when that expectation is rapidly rising.
That leaves Roberts on the bench, given scraps and the odd start here and there. With eight league games left to play, it is hard to imagine Roberts starting again. Unless of course, there is an injury.
Speaking in a press conference over the weekend ahead of the Euro 2024 play-off against Poland, Roberts admitted it was “strange” to leave Burnley given how well his 2022-23 campaign went.
“For me, it was strange. I was hoping this season was going to be really good in the Premier League. But i made my decision to go somewhere and get some more minutes. I’ve not played every single game.
“I need to use my experience to get promoted with Leeds United. For me personally, I don’t need to play loads of games to be ready, to be fit. Natural to me. But to get more game time than at Burnley, is good.”
Does Connor Roberts join Leeds permanently in the summer?
Roberts has already made it clear that he would love to join Leeds permanently. But, will he? Burnley will hardly be requesting a huge fee for the Wales man – given his contract at Turf Moor ends in June 2025.
But Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that he would be surprised if Leeds do make the loan a permanent one. It could all depend on Gray, and whether he gets moved into midfield in due course.
It is expected Gray will move into the middle of the park at some point and when he does, that leaves a void on the right side. If Leeds feel Roberts is the man to fill that gap, then a move will surely be done.
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