Leeds United ultimately completed a deal for Burnley’s Connor Roberts in the last moments of the January transfer window, with his announcement coming after the deadline.
Roberts, 28, joined Leeds after helping Burnley win promotion last season, earning a spot in the Championship Team of the Year. However, he struggled for playing time in the highest flight.
He joined Wales teammates Joe Rodon, Dan James, and Ethan Ampadu at Elland Road in January and has impressed in limited appearances since. His goal in the 3-1 victory over Leicester City proved significant.
He also had an assist against Huddersfield. However, Roberts, who impressed against Glen Kamara’s Finland last week, has only started two of the possible nine games. He has appeared in the remaining seven matches.
Connor Roberts on strange decision to leave Burnley for Leeds
What the Wales star discovers along the road is Archie Gray. Luke Ayling said that his decision to leave Elland Road for Middlesbrough in January was influenced by youngster Gray’s “unbelievable” performance.
The youngster is only becoming stronger. He scored on his England U21 debut last week, despite his young age of 18. He continually exceeds expectations, even while they are fast growing.
That puts Roberts on the bench, getting scraps and the occasional start here and there. With eight league games remaining, it’s hard to imagine Roberts starting again. Unless there is an injury.
Speaking at a news conference over the weekend ahead of the Euro 2024 play-off against Poland, Roberts confessed it was “strange” to leave Burnley after such a successful 2022-23 campaign.
“To me, it was odd. I was expecting for a great Premier League season this year. But I made the option to go somewhere and get some extra minutes. I have not played every single game.
“I need to use my expertise to get promoted to Leeds United. Personally, I don’t need to play a lot of games to be ready and fit. Natural to me. But, getting more game time than at Burnley is good.
Does Connor Roberts join Leeds permanently in the summer?
Roberts has already stated that he would love to join Leeds permanently. But will he? Burnley will not be asking for a large fee for the Wales international, since his contract at Turf Moor expires in June 2025.
However, Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that he would be shocked if Leeds made the loan permanent. It could all rely on Gray and whether he is eventually pushed to midfield.
Gray is anticipated to move into the middle of the park at some point, creating a void on the right side. If Leeds believe Roberts is the right guy to fill that need, they will almost certainly make a move.
Roberts has already stated that he would love to join Leeds permanently. But will he? Burnley will not be asking for a large fee for the Wales international, since his contract at Turf Moor expires in June 2025.
However, Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that he would be shocked if Leeds made the loan permanent. It could all rely on Gray and whether he is eventually pushed to midfield.
Gray is anticipated to move into the middle of the park at some point, creating a void on the right side. If Leeds believe Roberts is the right guy to fill that need, they will almost certainly make a move.
