Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick called Sam Greenwood, a Leeds United loanee, “first class” and expressed confidence that he has “loads more to come” from him.
Several people anticipated that Greenwood would play in the Championship at Elland Road after the team was relegated from the Premier League the previous season.
But with a packed forward line including Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe, Dan James, Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford, and Wilfried Gnonto blocking his path, the decision was made for the 21-year-old to join Boro on loan.
He has since scored four goals in 13 Championship outings (eight as starts) and Carrick is thrilled with his contribution to the cause.
In quotes reported by TeesideLive (6 December), he said: “I’m delighted for him. I always enjoy seeing players who have got their potential thriving and growing. We try to give them a platform to do that and Sam has been terrific.
“He’s played a bit of football but is still in the early days of his career, so to come in and develop so quickly – and we can all see what he offers to the team, along with his attitude and how he helps the team – he’s been absolutely first class.
“He’s another one where there is still loads more to come as well, which is really encouraging. I really enjoy seeing the boys grow and develop and, just as importantly, enjoying themselves as well.
A £1.5 million purchase agreement does exist between the two clubs, but Greenwood would still need to approve the switch himself, which adds a little complexity to the situation.
It does seem as though Carrick is trying to curry favor with Greenwood by telling him that the Riverside Stadium is where his long-term future lies. This is a strategy he is more than welcome to use, considering that Greenwood is, for the time being at least, a Boro player.
However, one would have assumed Leeds would have pushed for a higher purchase price. Since Greenwood is still only 21 years old and has a ton of potential, if he lives up to the hype, Boro might be getting a steal.
