OPINION
Lewis Cook is the missing ingredient in Leeds’ search of Premier League promotion as fans are forced to watch their side battle in the Football League for a 14th consecutive season.
Cook, 20, is still way down the pecking order at Bournemouth after joining Eddie Howe’s side last summer in a deal worth £10million, and may be forced to jump ship in order to obtain first-team football.
The Leeds academy product managed just nine senior appearances for the Cherries last season, as the likes of Jack Wilshere, Andrew Surman and Harry Arter were ahead of him in the jostle for central midfield places on the south coast.
However, his stock has never been higher after inspiring England’s Under-20 side to World Cup glory in South Korea this summer, holding aloft the trophy as captain of Paul Simpson’s side.
A loan move could be beneficial for the young midfielder, who is in desperate need of first-team football in order to reach his full potential and go on to become a fully-fledged England international, and could inspire Leeds to promotion.
This Is Futbol considers three reasons why Leeds should move for Cook after a major contract development that changes the whole picture for new manager Thomas Christiansen: