Leeds’ 2021 debutant may have question about his future after Whites announcement on Thursday – TBR View

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Leeds were able to announce their fifth signing of the summer on Thursday with the news that Lewis Bate has arrived on a three-year deal.

Signing Bate looks to be a real coup for the Whites. Previous reports claimed that Leeds beat West Ham, Liverpool and Southampton to his signature.

It was also suggested that Chelsea had wanted to agree a new contract with the 18-year-old.

Leeds confirmed on their official website that Bate will initially link up with the under-23s. But of course, having decided to leave Chelsea in search of first-team football, he will surely hope to be catching Marcelo Bielsa’s eye before too long.

What Bate’s arrival will do is perhaps raise a small question over the future of Jack Jenkins.

Jenkins appears to be a player that Bielsa likes. He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup in January. And he was included on the bench on numerous occasions in the Premier League.

But Bate’s arrival may push him down the pecking order. The pair are combative, energetic midfielders who seemingly offer plenty of versatility.

Jenkins may need to consider loan after Leeds announce Lewis Bate signing

So perhaps the time is right for Jenkins to ask for a loan move.

The 19-year-old’s contract expires in two years. So it could be a pivotal year for the midfielder.

Obviously, the under-23s will be playing at a higher level. So he would certainly test himself by staying put.

But leaving on loan could help Jenkins prove a further point to Bielsa. And if his long-term future does ultimately lie away from Elland Road, he will have already put himself in the shop window.

Bielsa has changed tack in the last year and has started to open the door for some young players to leave on loan.

So it may be best for Jenkins if he asks the question with Bate now through the door.