Done deal: Finlay Star announces Leeds United exit on Instagram
After sharing a photo of himself signing a contract with the Premier League champions on Instagram on Sunday, January 7, the England U-16 international announced on the social media platform that he was leaving Elland Road.
After rejecting down offers from other top-tier teams in recent months to move to the Etihad Stadium, the 15-year-old winger claimed he is “delighted” to sign a contract with the Citizens and that he “can’t wait to get started.”
Hard to turn down
Although Leeds supporters have been expecting this news for a few weeks, it will still be quite disappointing to see one of their most promising young players depart.
A few months ago, a video of the teenager going on a crazy sprint from the halfway line went viral on social media. The adolescent had been getting great praise for his efforts with the Whites U-18s squad.
Some of the biggest teams in the nation have evidently taken notice of it as well, and they have been lining up to try and sign the winger.
Although his chances of playing football with the first team may have been higher at Elland Road in the short term, it would be difficult for any young player to pass up the chance to join Man City.
The Whites just couldn’t compete with someone who might work under Pep Guardiola in the future and regularly contend for big prizes, assuming he makes it into the first team system later on.
Leeds United to pay compensation to secure Jordan Miles arrival at Elland Road, timeline set
After the January transfer market closes, Jordan Miles, head of recruiting for Aberdeen, will join Leeds United, according to Football Scotland.
The Don’s head of recruitment will go to Elland Road in February, the outlet announced on its website on Sunday, January 7. He only joined the team in July, having only come from West Ham United, as he searches for a way to return to the English game.
Miles is hesitant to leave Scotland, and Leeds will have to reimburse Aberdeen for his services.
Premiership side in the lurch, despite the fact that the Whites hoped to have him in post ahead of the January transfer window.
Instead, Miles will make the switch to Yorkshire following the conclusion of the January window as the Whites look to make their “assault” on the Championship playoff places.
New man at the helm
It’s a shame that Leeds United were unable to get this deal over the line ahead of the January transfer window as Miles’ services would have likely helped the Whites navigate this mid-season market to help their push for promotion.
But it is good to see that the 49ers and those in charge at Elland Road are already setting themselves up for future transfer windows as they get the people in place behind the scenes to help the Whites kick on to the next level.
Leeds’ willingness to pay Miles’ compensation cost in order to lure him to Elland Road, as opposed to exploring other options, is also a sign of intent. Miles is obviously one of the guys they want working out of Thorp Arch, along with the proper people.
This could be one of Leeds United’s most significant additions in their bid to return to the Premier League, even though it may not be as thrilling as a new number nine or an explosive left-winger.