Jay-Roy Grot is attracting interest this summer, with another loan move away from Leeds United a real possibility for the Dutchman.
Leeds sent Grot out on loan to the Eredivisie last season, with the 21-year-old spending the campaign with VVV-Venlo.
Now, the Yorkshire Evening Post are reporting that Hearts and Vitesse Arnhem are interested in a swoop for the Leeds forward.
In our latest FLW Six Point Opinion, we tackle Grot’s situation…
Firstly, tell us a little bit about Grot’s situation since arriving in Leeds two years ago?
“Grot was brought in under Thomas Christiansen and kept at Leeds for the 2017/18 campaign. However, his impact was limited and he scored just one goal and registered only one assist.
“His form was a concern and the supporters got on his back when the team started underperforming at the turn of the year. He scored his only goal in a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in April 2018, but it wasn’t enough to convince many.
“He spent all last season out on loan with VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie.”
How did his recent loan spell back in the Eredivisie go?
“Grot got some regular games under his belt back in the Dutch top-flight, and he did well on the whole.
“In 33 appearances, 19 of which came in the starting XI, Grot scored six goals and registered three assists.
“Of course, the Eredivisie standard doesn’t quite match up to the Championship, but Grot’s form was encouraging.”
Can you see Leeds being open to another move for the young forward?
“Marcelo Bielsa won’t be carrying any passengers next season, and for me, that’s what Grot would be if he stayed at Elland Road.
“He isn’t going to be a regular in the starting XI, and the majority of his game time would come in the under-23s.
“He’s only 21, and getting experience out on loan feels the logical option for Leeds to take this summer.”
Out of the clubs linked, where would be better for him – Hearts or Vitesse?
“Grot is clearly comfortable back in Holland, so Vitesse feels a good option for him. They are one of the Eredivisie’s most historical clubs and you feel the 21-year-old could settle there.
“Given their success with the likes of Mason Mount and Jake Clarke-Salter, you can see why Leeds might be keen for him to go there.
“Hearts wouldn’t be a bad option, but it’s hard to imagine Grot settling in Scotland given his struggles during his debut year with Leeds. A move back to his native just makes more sense.”
Surely a loan move to League One should be considered?
“This is what I’d like to see Leeds do.
“If Grot is ever going to be successful in England, Leeds need to get him settled somewhere in the EFL and testing himself at a lower level.
“Sending him back to Holland every summer is hardly going to develop him in England and give him a chance of becoming a success story in Leeds.
“There are some really good clubs in League One, and I’d like to see Leeds push him in the direction of one of them, similarly to what they did with Mallik Wilks last season.”
Finally, is this potential loan move Grot’s last chance to save his Leeds career?
“Next summer Grot will have just a single year left on his deal at Elland Road, so you’ve got to say it is.
“If he goes out on loan and impresses, Leeds will feel he might be worth a shot – particularly if they’re still in the Championship. However, if he fails to set the word alight, there might be a good chance we see Leeds look to cut permanent ties with him.”