Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich's new deal is unlikely to mean academy product Robbie Gotts looks to leave the club, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay.
Klich signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road yesterday, tying him down until 2024.
The Poland international has been a key player for Marcelo Bielsa's side this season–starting every Championship game and helping the Whites sit third in the table after 16 games.
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The 29-year-old has made 76 appearances since arriving at the Yorkshire club in 2017 but produced arguably the finest season of his career under Bielsa in the 2018/19 campaign–scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.
He looks set to be an important player for the Whites over the next few seasons, which could mean less opportunities for some of the young players coming through from the academy.
Gotts is one such player. The 19-year-old appears highly-rated by those involved with the club, having drawn praise from ex-player Noel Whelan and Bielsa in recent months.
However, in a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay dismissed suggestions that Klich's new contract may mean he looks to leave the club.
He said: "Gotts should be able to see a pathway. Look at Davis getting games off the bench. It wasn't like Bielsa didn't have others available to him today.
"Klich has been a big player under Bielsa. He was always going to get a new deal."
Leeds will have to wait 13 days for their next Championship game–a trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.
The Verdict
Gotts played an integral part in the U23s Professional Development League North title win last season and has received a lot of praise this season but he is still yet to make his debut.
The teenager remains very much on the fringes at Elland Road, so you'd have to agree with Hay, this new deal for Klich is unlikely to change anything for him.
The 19-year-old just needs to look at the likes of Jack Clarke, Jamie Shackleton, and Davis to see that Bielsa is willing to put faith in young players.