James Murray

Tue 11 July 2023 20:10, UK

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller has shared his disappointment as his former club Aberdeen are on the verge of losing youngster Lewis Pirie to Leeds United.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter on 11 July that the 16-year-old is set to have his medical at Elland Road on Wednesday (12 July) ahead of signing a three-year deal, with the Whites set to pay up to £200,000 in compensation.

Miller said the Dons will be “frustrated” to see Pirie move on after the teenage striker scored 51 goals for his club and country at youth level last season.

Writing for the Press and Journal, the former Aberdeen player and manager said: “It is disappointing we will not get to see a striker who scored 51 goals last season push to break into the Aberdeen first team. The downside of the development programme is that youngsters are allowed to go at a very early age for very little compensation.”

Miller said he is “sure Aberdeen will keep close tabs on Pirie” after the club were desperate to keep hold of the prolific striker and offered him a professional contract this summer.

“If it doesn’t develop down there the way the teen is hoping, then there is always the chance you could see him back at the club,” he added. “I don’t think that is a negative way to look at it. That is a sensible, business way to look at it. Aberdeen put a lot of time and effort into developing young players.

“The last thing they want is to see him leave without getting true value from him on the field and later on with a transfer fee.”

Promising

The capture of Pirie appears to be an excellent piece of business for Leeds after it was reported that a number of Premier League clubs were keen on signing him.

The fact that Miller is so disappointed to see him leave his former side just shows how highly thought of he was at Pittodrie and how much they wanted to keep hold of him.

It will be a positive for the Leeds hierarchy and the fans to see that promising youngsters are still keen on joining the club even after the relegation to the Championship last season.

Pirie and his advisers have clearly looked and seen that the Whites have continued to provide opportunities for up-and-coming young players over a number of years and believe Elland Road is the best place for him to continue his development.

New Leeds boss Daniel Farke will no doubt be excited by everything he has heard about the forward and could be looking to get him involved with the first team for the upcoming season.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has revealed the Whites have fended off interest in one of their exciting young midfielders.