As his contract comes to an end this summer, Phil Hay of The Athletic predicted last month that Dallas would not wear the white shirt ever more.

“Yes, I do believe that will occur. On that front, I’m not anticipating contract renewals. Where are we at this point? It is the middle of January, so it is actually not too far away from two years [without Dallas], which is a rather unusually long time to be out of the game for a player. It’s hard for me to see Dallas playing for Leeds once more, I must admit.

It would be “extremely harsh” to release Dallas.

Former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson, in an interview with MOT Leeds News, demanded that Dallas be given a 12-month extension in order to prevent the terrible fate of being let go after 267 games played at Elland Road.

Leeds flop signed by Orta is now worth less than Gruev

In the summer of 2022, Victor Orta, the previous sporting director of the Whites, signed him.

“Nobody owes anyone anything, but I would very much like to think that they’ll give him another year based on what he’s done for the team, the performances he’s given, and his relationship with the fans. I would like to believe that there is a role there for him, regardless of whether it is to become totally fit, be a member of the team, or be a part of the dressing room at that period.

“And whether he puts his career back on track and plays again in a Leeds United shirt or does eventually move on, to push somebody out the door at the end of their contract this season, after such an horrific injury, it would be extremely harsh.”

Dallas was central in Bielsa heyday

Dallas used to be a key player for Leeds, but with all the changes that have occurred since he last kicked a ball, it’s easy to forget. Marcelo Bielsa was vital in leading them to a fantastic ninth-place finish in 2020–21, following their promotion from the Championship. The Northern Irishman was named player of the year and players’ player of the year.

Even though the next season was more difficult due to Leeds’ fight with relegation and Bielsa’s dismissal, Dallas had started and played 90 minutes in 31 of the games before his injury.

Being able to play as a full-back on either flank, a midfielder, and even a winger, he was one of the most versatile players in the division. His manager could use him wherever he was needed. Naturally, Daniel Farke is worried that Robinson won’t be able to return to his previous level of play after an unimaginably long layoff, but you can understand why Robinson believes a short-term extension would be the best course of action, just to make sure Dallas isn