The recall clause in Leeds United striker Eddie Nketiah’s loan deal is appearance related meaning the 20-year-old is unlikely to leave the club in January, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.

Nketiah came off the bench to great effect against Barnsley on Sunday, scoring the opening goal in the 84th minute and winning a penalty five minutes later.

At points it looked like the deadlock in the clash between the two Yorkshire rivals might never be broken but the Arsenal loanee proved his worth for the Whites once again to ensure they took the three points and returned to the top of the Championship.

Nketiah has now scored four goals in six appearances but is still yet to start for Leeds in the league.

There may have been concern amongst some Whites fans that the Premier League club would look to recall the 20-year-old in January, however, Hay has indicated that is unlikely.

He suggested on Twitter that the recall clause in the striker’s contract is appearance-related, meaning the parent club can recall a loanee if they do no make enough appearances.

Hay added that Nketiah was highly unlikely to fall into that category.

Following the weekend’s results, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are top of the Championship, ahead of Swansea City on goal difference.

 

The Verdict

This is great news for Leeds and will undoubtedly be a huge relief for fans of the club as the striker looks like he could be an influential figure in the Whites promotion push. 

Nketiah proved his worth against Barnsley and has made a fast start the 2019/20 season, scoring nine times in all competitions (including games for Leeds under-23s and England under-21s).

You imagine it won’t be long before the 20-year-old features in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting line-up in the Championship.

The Argentine coach has a positive selection dilemma in that both Nketiah and Patrick Bamford have been in fine goalscoring form this season.