If reports coming from across the pond are to be believed, it seems Mateusz Klich’s time at Elland Road could be coming to an end. The midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the MLS to link up with Wayne Rooney’s DC United and suggestions are that a deal is close to being finalised.
The move would see Klich bring an end to his five-and-a-half year stint in West Yorkshire, where he has played a key role in what has been one of the most memorable eras in the club’s rich history, helping to lift United back into the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. As such, any departure would be an emotional one, both for Klich and the fans who hold him in such high regard.
Jesse Marsch gave little away when asked about the future of the Poland international following his winner against Elche last week. However, the head coach failed to rule out a potential departure and he alluded to conversations that have taken place between the respective parties.
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If Leeds are willing to part ways with him in the January window, then, it seems the decision is Klich’s and it’s not one he will be taking lightly as he considers what is best for him and his family. At 32, the Polish international's career is far from over.
Sure, he is the oldest current player in the Leeds squad, but his peak years aren’t far behind him and his time on the field this season has shown he still has plenty to give. Unfortunately for him, though, that time has been limited after struggling to convince Marsch that he deserves a regular spot in the side.
He has accumulated just 188 minutes of Premier League action and that inactivity saw him miss out on selection for the Poland World Cup squad. Klich hasn’t started a single Premier League game this season, with all 11 of his appearances coming off the bench.
Those stints on the field have varied in length, too, with 31 minutes being the longest time he has spent on the field of play, while three run outs have lasted less than 10 minutes. If he were to stay at Elland Road he would inevitably continue to play such a bit-part role.
A switch to the MLS would undoubtedly bring more game time and, while it isn’t the Premier League, it is considered to be a highly competitive division. A total of 36 players made the journey from the American competition to compete in Qatar this winter and many were involved in the World Cup knockout stages, to give an example of the talent currently plying its trade stateside.
As such, while a move to the MLS can be lucrative, it can also provide Klich with a high level of football and match action, which he needs if he is to continue his international career. It seems he would be far from guaranteed that under Marsch at Leeds, if he chose to stick around and fight for his place at a club where he has something close to legend status.
Klich still has 18 months left to run on his current deal at Elland Road and he would be within his rights to stay settled and back himself to force his way into Marsch’s plans and earn a new contract when the time comes.
The decision won’t be an easy one, far from it, as he mulls over calling time on his spell with United, but it’s one he must make in the coming weeks.
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