In a move that will definitely help the academy side, the photo was posted on X by LUFC Youth on February 8. Phil Hay and Carlos Corberan are among the accounts that monitor the development of Leeds’ academy stars.
The significant price the clubs paid for Pirie’s entrance indicated their great expectations for his future. Pirie joined the team from Aberdeen in the summer for a rumoured £200,000 transfer fee.
This season, the 17-year-old has made ten appearances for Leeds’ Under-18 team, participating in both the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League. During that time, he has three goals and one assist to his credit.
Leeds United prioritise new contracts
His arrival from Aberdeen and the subsequent granting of his first professional contract represent a clear declaration of purpose from Elland Road, where the club is focused on nurturing young players in anticipation of first-team involvement.
Archie Grey, a 17-year-old who came right out of the academy and has made 30 senior games under Daniel Farke this season, is one player who has demonstrated that ambition.
Football clubs have had to focus more on finding young British players since Brexit regulations have made it impossible for them to attract young foreign players because of a work permit procedure that is unlikely to be passed by a 16-year-old international star.
In a related news:
Daniel Farke wins prestigious Championship award but Leeds United ace misses out
Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, has won the Championship manager of the month award for January. This season, the German has taken home the trophy twice. Leeds United made a spectacular start to 2024 by winning 12 of a possible 12 points in January, which increased their chances of earning automatic promotion.
Farke also won the November award. Farke was a two-time Championship promotion winner at Norwich City. To win the honour, the 47-year-old defeated fierce opposition from Russell Martin (Southampton), Mark Robins (Coventry City), and Ian Foster (Plymouth).
United has won eight straight games going into its Yorkshire derby against Rotherham United tomorrow. They are one point outside of the spots that guarantee promotion, sitting third in the table.
Dan James, a quick winger, faced Morgan Whittaker, Stuart Armstrong of Southampton, and Ben Hamer of Watford in the player reward competition. James was unable to match Whittaker’s total of three goals and three assists in January.
The Whites play a road doubleheader against Swansea City and Plymouth Argyle following their hosting of a struggling Rotherham.