Confirmed: Leeds United bid accepted for Hamilton starlet Josh McDonald
Leeds United have had a bid accepted for Hamilton Academy’s Under-16’s starlet Josh McDonald, the club chairman has confirmed.
The Whites have been well documented for signing young talents for their academy from across the country and Europe, with Diogo Monteiro joining in January for the same reason.
But after having a stellar season for the Accies which saw them qualify for the youth Champions League, McDonald is now on his way to Elland Road.
“A further measure of their success is our qualification yet again, for next season’s Champions League,” they confirmed in an official statement (30 June).
“It is another great indication of the exceptional efforts by George Cairns and all of his staff, as our players have had International recognition and unprecedented interest from other Clubs.
“As a result I would confirm that I have this week reached final agreements with Norwich and Leeds Utd for the formal transfer of Gabriel Forsyth and Josh McDonald retrospectively.”
Building
Relegation to the Championship was obviously not an ideal scenario for the club to go through, but it could potentially be a blessing in disguise.
Being in the Premier League requires constant spending and strengthening of the squad, which makes it harder and harder for young players to break into the first-team from academy.
Leeds were able to play young players like Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville regularly last season, but academy prospects like Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and Darko Gyabi weren’t able to make an impact.
They’re far more likely to get that opportunity in the Championship, and that means if McDonald impresses then he could be in line for an opportunity in the future too.
Leeds are a club with Premier League facilities and coaches playing in the second tier, which should see more opportunities for youngsters available to them. McDonald is joining a great club with a fine history with giving youth a chance.
In other Leeds news, Champions League club want to sign first-team ace amid release clause developments.