Huddersfield Town: Michael Duff latest decision indicates player exit looming - View | OneFootball

Michal Helik was left out of Michael Duff's new-look leadership team with Huddersfield Town.

Highlights

Michael Duff has left Michal Helik out of Huddersfield Town's leadership group for the upcoming season in League One.

Last year was the Polish international's second season at the John Smith's Stadium, and he picked up the Player of the Year award yet again, after winning it in his first season, showing just how important he is to the Terriers, and how big of an impact he could have in the third tier.

The colossal centre-back was one of the few shining lights at the John Smith’s Stadium during their relegation campaign, with his ability in both penalty areas making him a standout performer for the West Yorkshire outfit.

The steely Polish defender made the move to Town from Barnsley after the Tykes dropped out of the second tier two years ago, and his current club would have been hoping that there would not be a repeat of that scenario, but befell the same fate this summer.

With nine goals to his name for the previous campaign, Helik was the club’s top scorer in the Championship and would bring a goal threat to plenty of teams this summer, with most expecting him to move on from Huddersfield at some stage in the window.

Michal Helik developments emerge

Surprisingly, there has been no concrete talk of Helik being linked with a move away this summer, which will be music to the ears of Huddersfield fans, with optimism that nothing materialises building ahead of the season starting in just over a week's time.

Given the 28-year-old's performances over the last two years, coupled with the fact that Huddersfield have been relegated, you'd have thought that clubs in the Championship would be queuing up to sign the Polish international, but that's not been the case, much to the surprise of the Terriers' fanbase.

Now, with the clash against Peterborough United looming ever closer, and pre-season plans wrapping up in the coming days with a fixture against Sheffield United on Friday, Duff has revealed his leadership group ahead of next season.

Huddersfield revealed their squad numbers, whilst Duff has decided that there will be a leadership team. The statement read: "Club captain Jonathan Hogg will remain the skipper for the season ahead, with five of his teammates joining him on a newly formed leadership group.

"Now alongside Matty Pearson, Ben Wiles, Jaheim Headley, Herbie Kane and Brodie Spencer, the six have been given extra responsibility in the dressing room to uphold standards and hold their teammates to account, creating a winning culture that possesses accountability and camaraderie."

It's an interesting development after Helik wore the armband from kick off on 13 separate occasions last season in all competitions. Lee Nicholls has also not been included, with many fans finding it strange that neither have been included, leading to speculation on the likes of X/Twitter from Town fans.

Helik's Huddersfield future cast into doubt

If Huddersfield were able to keep Helik at the club, it would arguably be bigger than any potential signing, such is the Polish international's quality. However, the latest development casts his future into doubt.

During his four seasons in English football, Helik has proven the he can perform admirably at Championship level, having racked up over 150 appearances in the second tier to date. Huddersfield's relegation makes him far more attainable but he will likely have a host of suitors in the second tier.

However, the one problem they do face is that Helik's contract at the club is due to expire next summer, so if they wish to sell him for a fee they will have to do so this summer, unless they can negotiate a new contract with him during the course of the season.

A sale could be forthcoming, and many fans perhaps anticipated that it would be an inevitability at some stage, with the latest information fairly damning. Keeping the 28-year-old at the club would be a huge, unexpected boost, but there's still plenty of time for a summer move yet.