The Northern Echo reports that the Teesside club has decided not to activate the 22-year-old’s reputed £1.5 million buy option included in his initial loan contract, choosing instead to direct their resources elsewhere this summer.
In the upcoming weeks, Boro is anticipated to formally make a contract offer to a second Leeds loanee as Luke Ayling attempts to complete his permanent transfer as a free agent to the Riverside Stadium.
Last summer, Greenwood went on a season-long loan to play for Michael Carrick’s team, making 38 appearances across league and cup play. During his time on Teesside, the former Arsenal and Sunderland youth player scored five goals and provided three assists, but he was unable to contribute to a goal in his final 16 games wearing a Boro shirt.
In an interview with the BBC earlier this season, the club’s director of football, Kieran Scott, said: “He’s on loan with an option, I’ll leave it at that.” The only small problem that would arise is if Leeds were promoted; in that case, everything would be open and clear for everyone to see. We all know what happens when teams get promoted—players tend to do better for themselves—so if Leeds were to get promoted. Sam is undoubtedly one of those, and that is a problem.
“At Sunderland, I saw him when he was fifteen. Though I couldn’t afford him, I genuinely liked him. He got to Arsenal, and after that—which is okay—I had another jab at him because he left Arsenal and decided to go to Leeds.
“This is lucky number three. Both we and he have benefited from each other. May it last for a very long time.”
Ultimately, Boro have chosen not part with the agreed seven-figure sum for Greenwood and the player will return to Elland Road where he remains contracted until 2027.
The Northern Echo reports: “Boro have instead lined up other attacking targets as they look to bolster the attacking midfield area, a priority this summer with Greenwood departing and Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks leaving in January.
“Finn Azaz joined in the winter window and enjoyed a promising end to the campaign, Isaiah Jones was a regular this term, Riley McGree and Marcus Forss are expected to be fit again for the start of pre-season and Alex Gilbert staked his claim with two eye-catching displays against Cardiff and Watford.”
Leeds sent several players on loan last summer, including those who had played a part in the club’s relegation from the Premier League months prior. While permanent deals for some have already been arranged, namely Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch, not all have transfers lined up meaning there may yet be further Thorp Arch returnees in the weeks to follow.
