Leeds United miss out on 14-year-old starlet Ahmed Omar as he pens two-year deal with Sunderland
Leeds United have missed out on the signing of 14-year-old starlet Ahmed Omar after he penned a two-year deal with Sunderland, according to the Sunderland Echo (7 June).
Omar underwent trials with the Whites, Newcastle United and was picked up by Chelsea scouts before opting to continue his football journey with hometown club Sunderland.
The child, described as “promising” in the report will link up with their academy after signing the deal and will continue to go to school and study as Leeds lick their wounds after missing out on a deal.
Development
Leeds have always been a club that pays attention to the scene when it comes to youth football as can be seen by the way they have recruited in recent years.
The academy has produced talent such as Charlie Cresswell, Sam Greenwood, Jamie Shackleton and more, while they have also signed young and upcoming talent such as Diogo Monteiro, Darko Gyabi, Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph.
All of those mentioned, barring Monteiro so far, have made first-team appearances to show that there is a pathway for young players to come through at Elland Road.
But youngster Ahmed is still at school and moving around would no doubt be a big ask for him, so the decision for him to stay local seems like a sensible one.
Leeds are still on the lookout for young talent though despite their relegation, and the future continues to look bright.
In other Leeds news, one first-team player is being targeted by a European club to replace a legendary ace.