Leeds United

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Former Leeds man urges Whites to reconsider transfer decision, hammering home what they ‘need’

Adam Forshaw, Luke Ayling, Leeds United, March 2022

Paul Robinson thinks Leeds United should think twice about letting Adam Forshaw leave the club, as they will “need experience” in the long run.

Forshaw is one of Leeds’ longest-serving players now. Indeed, the midfielder has been at Elland Road for coming up to five years.

However, thanks to injuries, he has only managed 82 appearances in that time. Despite this being Leeds‘ third season since returning to the top flight, it is only Forshaw’s second season of Premier League football.

He sat out the entirety of their return season, the 2020/21 campaign, thanks to an injury.

When available last season, he was a very useful asset for his side. The midfielder started in 17 Premier League games, as well as coming on from the bench in another five.

While he lacks Premier League experience, he performed aptly when called upon.

What he does have is a good deal of footballing experience, having made over 300 senior appearances.

This season, he has spent a fair amount of time on the sidelines again. Jesse Marsch has utilised him in just three league games so far.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed this week that Forshaw is one of a few Whites players who will soon be allowed to leave, and he could be shown the exit door as early as January.

Robinson thinks Leeds need Forshaw

However, former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson thinks the club need to hold onto him, despite his lack of game-time of late.

“It’s important he gets himself fit for selection with Leeds and I’d love to see him given a chance at Leeds,” he told MOT Leeds News.

“This is going to be a long season where they’re battling to stay in the Premier League so you need players like Adam Forshaw around the dressing room.

“You need leaders, you need experience and you need those types of characters in and around the squad.

“I wouldn’t even consider a loan move or anybody else taking him in January.”

Last season saw Leeds narrowly avoid the drop, finishing one place above the relegation places, in 17th. They have struggled somewhat this season, but have created some separation between themselves and the bottom three, as they are currently 15th.

Still, Robinson clearly feels that they are still in that fight, and Forshaw is the type of player that can help them out of it.

Robinson details midfielder’s value

Of course, there is the issue of the 31-year-old’s fitness. However, Robinson feels he should have the chance to get himself back into the mix, as he is a key member of the side when fit.

“I’d give him the opportunity to get fit, to prove himself, show he’s worth another contract and then make a decision when they sit down with him at the end of the season,” he said.

“He proved last season that he’s fantastic and to have that type of player in your ranks will be invaluable for Leeds.

“At the moment, he’s too valuable to have around as a character because it’s going to be a long, hard season for Leeds.”

Given he has hardly played this season, though, Leeds would not miss him too much if he does go.

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