Leeds United gem Lewis Pirie signs new contract at Elland Road
Lewis Pirie has signed his first professional at Leeds United at Elland Road today, as an image has emerged of the young attacker putting pen to paper to extend his stay in Yorkshire.
The image was shared on X by LUFC Youth on 8 February, an account which tracks the progress of Leeds' academy stars which is followed by the likes of Phil Hay and Carlos Corberan, in what will be a welcome boost to the academy side.
Pirie joined the club from Aberdeen in the summer for a reported £200,000 transfer fee, with high hopes for his future displayed by the high fee the clubs paid out for his arrival.
The 17-year-old has made ten appearances for Leeds' Under-18 side so far this season, both in the U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup, scoring three goals and providing one assist in that time.
Leeds United prioritise new contracts
His arrival from Aberdeen, and the subsequent awarding of his first professional deal, are a statement of intent at Elland Road, with a clear direction from the club towards developing young talent with a view to first-team involvement.
That ambition has been displayed this season through the emergence of Archie Gray, with the 17-year-old coming straight out of the academy and having made 30 senior appearances under Daniel Farke this season.
Recruitment of young British players has been more important for football clubs as Brexit rules prevent them from signing foreign young players due to a work-permit system which a 16-year-old gem from abroad would be unlikely to pass.
The Aberdeen academy had offered Pirie a professional contract in hopes of keeping him at the club, but following his move to Elland Road he has not had to wait long for another offer, this time from the English side.
In other Leeds United news, Yorkshire rivals are hoping to complete a permanent deal for one Leeds ace.
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