Freddie Ljungberg’s previous comments on Eddie Nketiah should worry Leeds United

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The future of Eddie Nketiah has been in the news recently. Leeds United beat plenty of competition to sign the talented striker on loan from Arsenal but it seems he could be recalled to the Emirates Stadium and sent elsewhere. 

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has preferred Patrick Bamford and Nketiah, despite impressing from the bench, has not yet started a single game in the Championship. 

Of course, there has also been a managerial change at Arsenal. So what could that mean to Nketiah’s Leeds future?

Freddie Ljungberg is set to remain in charge of Arsenal on an interim basis for the foreseeable future after the sacking of Unai Emery. 

The Swedish boss is a big fan of Nketiah, who he managed for the under-23’s. In fact, back in February, he told the Islington Gazette of his belief that Nketiah was ready for the Arsenal first-team.

“If he gets the call, he’s ready to play without question.

“It’s totally up to the manager [but] I’ve always thought we have players [at U23 level] who are ready to do well but it’s up to the first team.

“All I can do is advise and try to get the players as ready as possible.”

In the summer, Nketiah pushed for a loan move despite Emery wanting him to be involved in the first-team. However, with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for competition, the England under-21 striker clearly felt he was best off heading out on loan. 

Now, with his former under-23 boss in charge at The Emirates, it must be considered that Nketiah might actually have a chance of regular playing time in North London.