Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell is currently out on loan with Championship side Millwall this season.
With Jesse Marsch and Leeds making key signings this summer and being well stocked in the heart of their defence already, there was chance for fringe and youth players to secure loan moves in order to get more game time and valuable experience under their belts.
Charlie Cresswell sealed his move out on loan as he joined Championship play-off hopefuls Millwall for the 2021/22 campaign alongside Leeds teammate Jamie Shackleton. Gary Rowett’s side went close last season, and will be hoping to go one better and break into the top six this season.
The 20-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better debut at Millwall as his opening game at home to Stoke City saw him score a brace in a 2-0 win.
He started the opening four games for Millwall but it started to unravel early on after a good start, as he struggled in a 2-0 loss at Bramall Lane to Sheffield United. He was then benched for the games against Norwich City and Reading before he was reinstated for five games.
However, since then he has had no involvement. He has been left out of the match day squad for the last four fixtures, with no injury concern to speak of, either. He has been dropped due to the change to a back four from the back five which he started the season in.
Despite this, Tim Thornton of Sky Sports believes he will remain with Millwall for the remainder of the campaign. The reporter told Give Me Sport: “I think there’s a recall option, potentially in January.
“But I would expect him to stay at Millwall all season and then come back next season and try to force his way into the first team.”
Should Leeds recall Cresswell?
Yes
No
The same thoughts are not echoed by Josh Hobbs of Football Radar. Hobbs is a scout and analyst, but also a Leeds fan, speaking to LeedsAllOver, he said: “Cresswell is still not getting in the Millwall squad (we should) recall and send to League One. It’s the sensible choice.”
However, despite his form, he has been recently linked with other moves to the Championship, including sides such as Norwich City, as journalist Alan Nixon is reporting that the Canaries will look to sign the defender should Leeds decide to let him go permanently.
Former Whites player Carlton Palmer spoke to Football League World about Norwich’s interest in Cresswell, and he is high on Cresswell’s future, even though he has been struggling to play much in recent games at The Den. He said: “All clubs are looking for good young players, you know.
“A lot of clubs are looking at him, but he’s very highly rated by Leeds United. Leeds have a strong squad. So, that’s why they’ve let him go out on loan. I have no doubt in my mind that Leeds will not be letting this young player go.“
Cresswell undoubtedly has bags of potential, but perhaps a recall and different loan may be the best thing for both the club and the player now.