There were probably a few eyebrows raised when Leeds United sanctioned a season-long loan move for Sam Greenwood to Middlesbrough during the last transfer window.
The 21-year-old forward could hardly have been called a first-team regular at Elland Road but the youngster had racked up 25 Premier League appearances for the club and made one substitute appearance under Daniel Farke this term.
But with a wealth of forward talent available to Farke, perhaps it wasn’t as much of a shock as it first appeared that Greenwood – once considered one of Leeds’ brightest prospects – was allowed to join a Championship rival.
Greenwood, like Middlesbrough themselves, has steadily been improving as the season has gone on and he scored a second goal for the club (his second in three appearances) as Michael Carrick’s side won 2-1 at Norwich City on Tuesday (25 October) to move seventh in the table, an impressive feat considering they were bottom of the table after a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on September 19.
Speaking after the game Greenwood revealed his goal was particularly special as his grandad is ill in hospital.
“I’m buzzing, I’d like to dedicate the goal to my grandad, he’s quite ill in hospital so that one’s for him,” he told Middlesbrough’s official website.
With Greenwood and Boro hitting form, and Leeds flying high in the table themselves after four straight league wins, all the signs are pointing towards a permanent exit for a player who has represented England at all ages from Under-17s through to Under-21s.
At this point in time, it does feel like there is no spot for Greenwood at Elland Road. That could change if there are any high-profile departures in January, but if not then there could be a situation where they cash in on a permanent sale.
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