Leeds United’s summer transfer window has finally kicked itself into gear this week.
Though Marc Roca and Jack Harrison did seal their exits last week, the last few days behind-the-scenes at Elland Road have been considerably busier.
Archie Gray became Leeds’ first major sale of the window on Tuesday as he joined Tottenham Hotspur for £40 million, in a deal that saw his former teammate Joe Rodon come back the other way.
Leeds have also knocked back a bid from Brighton for Georginio Rutter, while reports in France have really intensified the possibility of a move to Rennes for Glen Kamara. Speculation surrounding Crysencio Summerville has continued, though that is likely to be the case all summer.
Jamie Shackleton also became the second Thorp Arch academy graduate to depart this week after joining Sheffield United. Liam Cooper, meanwhile, could decide to depart upon the expiry of his deal, too.
Gray and Szmodics react to Jamie Shackleton exit
Gray sent a long message to Leeds supporters on Tuesday once it became official he would be bringing an end to his 11-year stay at the club.
He received plenty of messages from past and present Leeds players, but was on the other end of proceedings under Shackleton’s exit post.
Like Gray, Shackleton had been in the Leeds academy from a very young age and was also a boyhood supporter of the club, so his post on Instagram was a long and emotional one.
Though Shackleton may not have received the game time he would have liked last season, it is clear to see just how well respected he was in the dressing room, and across football in general.
Alongside Gray and Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics, his comments were filled with messages from the likes of Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling, just to name a few.
They were all full of respect for what Shackleton has achieved during his time at the club, and needless to say they are wishing him all the best in his next move.
When are Shackleton’s reunions with Leeds?
Having joined a fellow side in the Championship in Sheffield United, Shackleton will not have to wait too long to come up against his former club.
Despite joining Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals, Shackleton will undoubtedly receive a good reception, with his first trip back to Elland Road scheduled for Saturday 19 October.
Shackleton will then welcome his former teammates to Bramall Lane around four months later, with Leeds’ trip to South Yorkshire pencilled in for Saturday 22 February.
Those two games could well prove crucial come the end of the season, as it would not be a surprise if both sides were fighting for promotion.