Kieran Scott of Middlesbrough comments on Sam Greenwood’s Leeds to Boro move.
Kieran Scott of Middlesbrough discusses Sam Greenwood’s move from Leeds to Boro.
When Boro and Leeds United reached an agreement for a season-long loan agreement for the forward, Boro strategically included an option to sign Greenwood for just £1.5 million.
Both clubs have approved of that option. Head of football Scott disclosed that the only thing that would complicate things would be if Leeds were to get promoted this season. At Elland Road, Greenwood would then be eligible for a sizable pay boost, and it would be up to him and his agents to determine whether or not he wanted to remain at Leeds.
Boro are unfazed by the situation. Greenwood is adjusting to Teesside quickly, playing well, and having fun with the game. The former Sunderland youth product was a bit part player at Elland Road, but he made a name for himself at the Riverside as a vital first team regular very fast.
In the last week of the summer transfer window, Boro signed Greenwood on loan; it later became clear that the deal with Leeds included the option to make the move permanent. Although it gives Boro a significant advantage, the permanent transfer is not yet finalized.
“I won’t irritate folks. It’s challenging. He is still a Leeds player right now, so I have to show some respect.
“I’ll just say that he’s on loan with an option. The only small problem that might 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.”
“We’d work with Sam and his representatives in that position if the club wanted to do that, but it’s a challenging scenario,” Scott continued. Though there are still issues to resolve, Sam has proven he can play a significant role for us. The club-to-club aspect has been resolved; other matters would need to be agreed upon. We’ll give it our all, I promise.”
Scott has followed the gifted forward since he was a sought-after kid at Sunderland, so he is thrilled to see Greenwood thriving at Boro.
“I watched him at Sunderland when he was fifteen,” Scott remarked. Though I couldn’t afford him, I really liked him. He went to Arsenal, and when he left, I took another swipe and decided to go to Leeds, which is fine.
“This is lucky number three. Both we and he have benefited from each other. May it last for a very long time.”
In his last six games for Boro, Greenwood has netted four goals, including the incredible late winner against league leaders Leicester City just before the international break.
