Leeds United are allegedly unlikely to grant midfielder Lew Bate a new contract when his present contract expires at the end of the season – a move that is in the best interests of the youthful “magician.”
Bate, 20, has only appeared once this season, as a late substitute against Shrewsbury. It comes following a successful loan spell at Oxford United last season, where he contributed five goals in 35 appearances from central midfield.
He returns to Leeds, where his contract is set to expire at the conclusion of this season. However, we have signed three midfielders this summer: Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Glen Kamara.
If there was ever a flicker of optimism that Bate could break in at Elland Road in 2023-24, it has already been snuffed out by market additions. According to Leeds Live, Bate is unlikely to be granted a new contract.
While Bate may wish to battle for his spot and a new contract at Leeds, it is better for Bate to leave the club. Making him available for free next summer simplifies the move.
Leeds United are unlikely to grant Lew Bate a new contract: The correct decision
Bate is an outstanding midfielder. There’s a reason Leeds paid £1.5 million to sign him, and there’s a reason Karl Robinson referred to him as a “magician.” He demonstrated this at Oxford.
But he won’t be able to join Leeds right now. Bate should go and excel at a lower-level Championship team. He is readily qualified at that level. So that is the correct conclusion – Bate must be fired.
