Leeds United have sanctioned the loan move of midfielder Lewis Bate, as he moves to Oxford United for the season.
The Whites have overseen a number of departures this summer, most of those being temporary moves in a bid to garner more playing time for key youngsters.
Lewis Bate was kept behind from the pre-season tour of Australia as talk of a loan move looked to intensify, and he has now sealed that move.
Leeds have confirmed that the midfielder joins League One outdit Oxford United on a season-long loan:
Alongside this agreement to send him to Karl Robinson’s side for the season, there is no option to make the deal permanent, while Leeds also have the option to recall him in January – per The Athletic’s Phil Hay:
Is loaning out Bate the right move?
Yes
No
Bate needed a loan move, as much as he’s a player that definitely has a bright future with us.
After making so many signings in his position in the summer, the chance to be playing regularly was not going to be there for him.
Hopefully, this loan to Oxford brings the success I expect it to, given they are a club that routinely are battling at the right end of the table under a good manager.
The recall clause is an intriguing one, because while I cannot see Jesse Marsch needing him for our season, it could suggest a move higher up in January.