Leeds United have let go of promising youngsters too early on a number of occasions throughout their history.
On a number of occasions, it’s through no fault of their own. Leeds United not being in the Premier League for 16 years saw a number of their best talents depart before they could get there themselves.
From Jonny Howson and Fabian Delph, to Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor; it’s been a persistent theme in the years without top flight football.
Now, they may well be able to retain these stars with Premier League football. However, others are already finding their feet and becoming better players in different environments.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesEx-Leeds United defender Cody Drameh in line for potential switch to Crystal Palace
One player who certainly needed a fresh start, in spite of having obvious promise and potential, is Cody Drameh. In fact, Drameh was offered a new deal by Leeds, but it was always in his best interests to go elsewhere.
Drameh is a right-back who joined Leeds from Fulham for a £1 million fee (Daily Mail) in the 2020 summer transfer window. However, after just 10 senior appearances with Leeds, he went elsewhere, to Hull City.
Drameh scored a stunner early in the season for Hull, but that was before their campaign collapsed and they only just survived the drop into League One.
Capable of playing at both left and right-back, it’s fair to say Drameh has had a mixed time with Hull. That’s despite the fact Drameh started the 2024/25 season well at the MKM.
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The 23-year-old is from Dulwich in London, and he could now be set for a return to familiar surroundings via a surprise Premier League switch.
Crystal Palace have joined the chase to sign Hull City defender Cody Drameh following his impressive performances in pre-season. Several Championship clubs are also interested in signing Drameh this summer. #cpfc #hcafc pic.twitter.com/ooQiFRnlGE
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) July 30, 2025
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Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Crystal Palace are one of the clubs in the race to sign Drameh this summer, with other Championship interest in the defender.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke once described Cody Drameh as a “brilliant lad”
Drameh explained why he chose to join Hull but he never truly got to grips with things at Leeds, failing to take his chances when they came.
That said, stepping down to eventually move back up is admirable if it works. There is every chance that Drameh will end up getting another transfer to a higher level either this summer or in the future.
Marcelo Bielsa once criticised Drameh but Daniel Farke was also reluctant to give him chances. He spoke back in 2023 after his loan to Birmingham City that season.
Via The Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke insisted the direction the club took was no slight on Drameh. “No, it was not a decision against Cody,” said the German.
“I mentioned several times, he’s a brilliant lad and he has also delivered on this level in teams who, with the greatest respect, play also bit slightly different in comparison to Leeds United.
“Also perhaps sometimes the ambition is also a little bit different. So for that I think you can’t compare this too much. He has proved that he’s capable to play on this level also really, really proper.
“We got the feeling it was also Cody’s wish to play more or less each and each and every minute and for that I think it’s a smart move also for all parties.”