Leeds United employee tips Lewis Bate for exit after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has backed Lewis Bate to leave Leeds United on loan this summer as he looks for first-team football.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Under-23 football will not suffice as the 19-year-old continues to develop his game.
As confirmed by club media (9 July), Bate is not part of the Leeds United squad which has travelled to take part in the club’s pre-season tour in Australia.
Charlie Cresswell and Tyler Roberts have both already departed Elland Road to Championship clubs during the off-season.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have drafted in Tyler Adams and Marc Roca from RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich respectively.
When asked if Bate could depart on loan for first-team football this summer, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think so.
“Now we’ve gone into the market and bought a few players in that midfield role, I think we have a bit more experience in that position.
“They just have that bit more quality that they can deliver right now.
“Lewis Bate had a couple of senior games last season, didn’t really do much wrong but Under-23 matches are no longer going to test him as much as they should.
“We’ve seen it with a number of young players at Leeds United – this is the next step in the progression.
“I think it would do him the world of good to go out and get that first-team experience and growth in his game.
“First-team, regular football has to be a must for him.”
Bate joined Leeds United from Chelsea in the search of first-team football last summer (2021).
The midfielder made four senior appearances during the 2021-22 season.
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “emphatic” claim as Leeds United pull “£2m” U-turn.