The dog race to make it to the top flight division next season has already taken off in the Championship. The promoted and relegated clubs to the 2nd division, alongside the other 18 survivors from last season will all battle it out for the 3 spots available to ensure promotion to the English Premier League.
Amongst them is Leeds United, a side that finished last season in 13th position. Since their relegation from the 1st division in the 2003–04 season, getting back has seemed hard, but keeping the core of their team is key if they are to have a shot at emerging as potential EPL candidates next term.
Already struggling to hold on to some of their star players who are being targeted by teams in the top-tier and same-tier divisions, opening contract extension talks with highly-rated and young midfield ace, Alex Mowatt to remain at the Elland Road is the way to go. And here are reasons why it would be a great benefit to The Peacocks next season.
A GREAT FUTURE IS AHEAD OF HIM
At 21, the England youth international has a brilliant future ahead of him, and with him set to play his 4th season as a member of the first team, only a better campaign can be expected of him.
With his initial contract scheduled to expire at the end of next season, preliminary contract talks stalled, with fans fearing that he could be the next to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Byram and Lewis Cook, who signed for West Ham and Bournemouth respectively.
His sophomore season saw him emerge as the club’s best player of the year, and that’s a testament to the talent and potential Mowatt hold. Leeds must do everything within their power to keep hold of such player.
He has time on his side and will contribute immensely to their survival in the league. The Leeds United’s academy graduate bagged 9 goals in 38 League outings in 2014/15, his best season so far, and given his role as a midfielder that is a decent and excellent return.
Such performances can be expected of him next term. He has a higher chance of growing and taking up more responsibilities at Elland Road now and in the near future, than being let go to a new ground where he might have to start all over again.
Leeds United need to at least take their chances as far earning promotion next season goes; that starts with giving the youngster a reason to stay by handing him an improved deal and making sure contract talks are successful.
THE CHALLENGE TO OVERCOME LAST SEASON’S SETBACK
No thanks to a series of injuries last term, the English prodigy wasn’t able to replicate his form of the preceding season. A change in managerial role and position made matters worse too, seeing him make just 33 Championship fixtures with 2 goals to his credit.
It was a setback season, especially given how well he performed the season before. But we should see a new Mowatt next season as he would have reflected on what went wrong last season.
With the right guidance and a playing position best suited for him under Garry Monk, the youngster will have a chance to challenge himself and regain lost form. If that is successfully done, then he will surely repay the club’s faith in him by upping his game next term. It’s a win-win situation for both parties involved.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS WHEN EVENTUALLY SOLD
The chances are high that Alex Mowatt will become a better player in one or two more seasons, and it will be difficult for Leeds United to keep hold of him when the suitors come making offers and bids now and then.
It will be a perfect opportunity to cash-in on the player who no doubt has dreams to play for a bigger side soon, and that will be beneficial to the club’s pocket.