Regular football for a ‘great human being’ like Sam Greenwood is delighting Daniel Farke, who can see the 22-year-old’s development boosting his transfer value too. Leeds United’s contract with the Preston North End loanee ends in June 2026, so a permanent transfer will be on the table next summer.

Greenwood has been unable to prove to Farke he is worthy of a place in his promotion-chasing squad since the manager arrived in July 2023. However, he won the trust of Michael Carrick last season and seems to be doing the same with Paul Heckingbottom this term.

While last year’s loan with Middlesbrough banked him more senior minutes than ever before, he looks even more integral to Heckingbottom at Deepdale. The former Arsenal youth had started 11 on the bounce before United’s visit ended that streak.

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While a third successive year in the Championship may, ironically, give Greenwood another chance at Elland Road, promotion would surely spell the end for him. Farke knows all too well, the better he plays for Preston, the more interest there will be in him next summer and the higher his price is driven up.

“Pleased for Sam because he's a great human being and also a player with lots of potential,” said Farke, ahead of the weekend clash with Preston. “For him, in his age, it's important to play, more or less, week in, week out.

“This is crucial and, due to the competition in our squad, we couldn't guarantee this. For that, I'm happy he found a place where he is, right now, playing on a regular basis.

“[It’s] also much more than the last loan perhaps, where he also had some decent numbers, but, didn't play, more or less, each and every game. For them, he's a pretty important player and I’m delighted for him.

“It would be good for his development, for his value. I'm pleased and it’s good for us he's not playing against us because, sometimes, football would write some stories.”