Leeds United make transfer U-turn on ex-trialist as contract details revealed

Leeds United have bolstered their Under-21 ranks.

Thorp Arch remains one of the most attractive places for young players to come and play their football.

Leeds are renowned and prolific producers of quality talent at youth level.

Despite that, the Whites' Under-21s side have struggled in Premier League 2 over the last few seasons.

Indeed, they've not finished higher than 17th since being promoted to the division for the 2023-24 season

Scott Gardner's class of 2026-27 will be hoping to put that right this term, and have now been reinforced with the arrival of a defender.

What contract has Roman Egan-Riley signed at Leeds United?

At Elland Road, there is always a pathway for young players to make the first-team leap.

That may well be made harder due to the progression Daniel Farke's side are making in the Premier League, however.

But if you're good enough, those opportunities are sure to be awarded, and that's what Roman Egan-Riley will have been told before signing with Leeds.

As detailed via LUFC Youth on X, the 19-year-old has signed for Leeds after recently leaving Burnley.

The brother of Marseille defender CJ Egan-Riley, he's reportedly penned a deal with the Whites until January 2027.

As is with his brother, he can represent England, Ireland or Jamaica at international level thanks to his family heritage.

CJ represented England and Ireland at youth level, but eventually committed to the Three Lions.

But why has this move to Leeds for Egan-Riley been a long time in the offing?

When did Egan-Riley go on trial with Leeds previously?

Egan-Riley is a player who Leeds have known about for a considerable length of time.

MOT Leeds News reported on Egan-Riley going on trial with Leeds all the way back in January last year.

He was still a Tottenham player at that point, which is where he remained until January this year when he signed for Burnley.

Egan-Riley has never made a competitive senior appearance in his career, so he will be a prospect that Leeds will need to refine.

He turned out 19 times for Tottenham's Under-18s and just the once for their Under-21s, whilst he played 11 times for Burnley's Under-21s.

The teenager is a centre-back by trade, and can play on the left or right of central defence.

However, he's got some good pedigree under his belt and is evidently a player Leeds talent spotters have been impressed with before.