During an interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan has urged Leeds United to sell Barry Douglas. The ex-Leeds star has reacted to rumours linking the left-back with a move to Rangers, claiming, “The competition has been fierce – Stuart Dallas and Alioski. I would say Douglas is third-choice. He generated a lot of excitement, but we have barely seen anything. If he is going to be the third choice a move to Rangers would be good. Leeds get some money and allow Douglas to go play football somewhere else.”
Barry Douglas’ spell at Leeds United
Douglas joined Leeds United in the summer of 2018, in a €3.4 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was brought in to add more competition in the left-back unit. However, the plan hasn’t exactly worked for the player.
Failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at Elland Road, Douglas has found himself trailing Stuart Dallas and Ezgian Alloski, in the pecking order. As a result, he has only featured in 435 minutes of league football in the Championship this season.
And with the young Leif Davis pushing for a more prominent role in the senior side, Douglas is facing an uncertain future at the club. It is also fair to point out that his existing contract at Elland Road will expire at the end of next season. That means failing to get rid of the defender this summer will see Leeds running the risk of losing him for free in 2021.
What does the future hold for Douglas?
At the age of 30, Douglas clearly doesn’t have time on his side. He has already found it difficult to get regular game-time under Marcelo Bielsa. That job could become even more difficult should the Whites get promoted to the Premier League next season, which will essentially force them to sign proven stars in the market.
Noel Whelan has urged Leeds United to sell Barry Douglas: A wise option for Bielsa?
The combination of Dallas and Allosi has worked wonders for Bielsa. So there is no reason for the Argentine mastermind to add unnecessary competition in the left-back slot. As for the player, himself, he must make a decision soon if he truly wants to prevent the rest of his career being spent on the bench.
A move away from Elland Road is the best option for the ex-Wolves left-back. His departure will create some space in the defensive unit, ultimately allowing Leeds to sign new players in the market. And with his contract expiring at the end of next season, this is the perfect time for the Whites to get rid of the defender.
