Carlton Palmer has hinted that Leeds United are unlikely to regret allowing Jamie Shackleton to join Sheffield United on a free transfer.
Despite the two clubs being geographically close and expected to compete for promotion next term, the Yorkshire Post claim the 24-year-old will switch clubs in order to get more game time.
He struggled to get minutes under Daniel Farke, as he appeared only 15 times in all competitions in the last period.
Palmer gave his verdict on the deal exclusively to Football League World.
The pundit believes the Leeds academy graduate is better off flying the nest if he can’t find minutes under Farke, and Blades fans will be grateful their transfer business has finally begun.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “Unconfirmed reports again that Leeds United player Jamie Shackleton is set to join Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United in the near future.
“Shackleton, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Millwall, made just 11 appearances for Leeds United last campaign.
“So it’s difficult. Obviously there are rumors that he turned down a new contract with Leeds United to get more regular game time. At 24, of course you want to play regularly.
“He is rumored to have had a medical and is expected to be announced as a Sheffield United player soon and would be the first signing of the summer.
“It would be great news for fans waiting to see what actually happens at Bramall Lane.
“Chris Wilder and Sheffield United are still involved in an ongoing takeover but Shackleton is believed to be close to signing off.
“He struggled to get first-team opportunities under Daniel Farke last season and to be able to play regularly for the Blades, who are embarking on a major rebuild, is fantastic news.
“So, we’ll see. I don’t think Leeds United will have any regrets. Like I said, he hasn’t played regular football. In that position, they have coverage in other areas.
“So I don’t think they will regret it. And to say Sheffield United are promotion contenders; I think they have a lot to do between now and the start of the season to put themselves in the promotion picture next season.”
Leeds will have to turn to Incoming soon
Firstly, the Whites are unlikely to do much to negotiate a new deal for Shackleton if Farke only uses him sparingly, but a player who can play at full-back and in midfield would be useful to have in the squad and may need to be replaced .
Another recent graduate, Archie Gray, was similarly fluid in the positions he was prepared to take and this was used to great effect last campaign when Farke was short of full-backs and Gray took up the slack. He will also not be an option next season following his £30m move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Joe Rodon went in the opposite direction as part of the Gray deal to boost Leeds’ revenue, but the defender was already on loan at Elland Road last season – making 43 appearances – so it looks more like a return to last season’s quality than an addition. to this.
According to Palmer, Leeds may not regret letting Shackleton go, but they may be wise to bring in some new faces before letting more members of their current squad leave.