Confirmed: Leeds player leaves club to join fellow Yorkshire side
Leeds United full-back Matty Downing has left the club to join National League North club Bradford Park Avenue.
The 20-year-old has been on the books at Elland Road for a decade and a half, but has endured a nightmarish spell with injuries in recent times.
After having spending the best part of two years on the sidelines, the defender made a comeback in September 2018, only to break his leg in January of the following year.
Those setbacks stunted his development with his boyhood club, and the youngster has finally decided to take the next step in his career as he looks to secure himself a first team opportunity having failed to make his senior bow at Elland Road.
Avenue confirmed the transfer via their official website on Monday, with Downing bidding his farewell to Leeds on Twitter shortly after.
Writing on his personal account, he said: “Been a crazy 15 years full of ups and downs, some great memories with some great people.
“Thanks to those Leeds that have helped me to develop as a player and person.
“Can’t wait to get started.”
https://twitter.com/MatthewDownin14/status/1275028627025989633?s=20
It’s sad to see Downing leave, but we’re delighted that he will finally get his chance to prove what he can do at a senior level.
The left-back’s injury record has been shockingly unfortunate in recent years, and it’s hard not wonder what his career at Elland Road might have looked like if he had remained fully fit throughout Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club.
With the likes of Leif Davis and Jordan Stevens knocking on the door of the first team, the Argentine has proven that he is willing to trust in youth, and there was a decent amount of excitement surrounding Downing during his time in the academy.
Speaking about the player, Leeds coach Andy Grady said: “Matty is a modern day full back who is equally adept going forward as he defensively.
“He has fantastic energy and desire to get up and down the pitch and he produces quality delivery in the final third.”
Hopefully he can realise his potential with Bradford PA, and we wish him all the luck in the world.
In other Leeds United news, Data analyst spotted something you ‘rarely see’ in Whites 2-0 loss v Cardiff.