Thomas Christiansen’s decision on Eoghan Stokes looks justified

Add as preferred source on Google

In February, Leeds United let Eoghan Stokes leave the club. The Irish talent had seen his development stall at Elland Road and, after six years in West Yorkshire, agreed a mutual termination of his contract at the club.

The Irish youth international had once looked like the next player to break into the Leeds first-team. He played just one game for the first-team, in August 2017, against Newport County in the League Cup but was always on the radar of Neil Redfearn, Steve Evans and Garry Monk.

However, injuries did see his Leeds career stutter. The influx of new players to the under-23s under Carlos Corberan did not help last term and Thomas Christiansen allowed him an exit to try and find a club back in Ireland. He did just that, eventually signing for Bohemians in the League of Ireland.

Some Leeds fans were disappointed to see him go. The forward had plenty of talent and also had something of an enigmatic skill factor that made him a potential fan favourite.

However, he simply did not do enough to earn a stay at Leeds and the exit was for the best.

Judging by his form in Ireland, Leeds made the right call.

Stokes has played 27 times for the club in the Irish top-flight this season, scoring just five goals. After initially cementing a place as a regular starter, he has recently seen himself used as a sub an increasing amount.

The Irish season comes to an end this week and Stokes will no doubt be in limbo regarding his future at Bohemians, with his contract expiring in December, according to Transfermarkt.

Leeds will be safe in the knowledge they did not let go a future superstar. However, the club and fans will no doubt wish him all the best in his career going forward.