Leeds United set for seven-figure windfall as Manchester City agree deal to sign Finlay Gorman – Phil Hay
Manchester City have agreed a seven-figure deal with Leeds United to sign academy product Finlay Gorman, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (13 November) reports that a seven-figure fee – believed to be a British record for a player of his age – has been agreed between the Championship club and the Premier League champions.
The deal is not completed yet but the expectation from all parties involved with the deal is that Gorman will move on to the Etihad.
Hay tweeted: “Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated academy midfielder Finley Gorman from Leeds United. Seven-figure fee believed to be a British record for a 15-year-old.”
Damaging blow
Leeds United may well be due a seven-figure fee to seal Gorman’s exit from Elland Road but this is a damaging blow, to lose such a prestigious talent.
Given the youngster’s performances for the club’s academy, clubs like Manchester City were always going to be on the prowl for his signature but that doesn’t mean the Whites won’t be left reeling by this development.
No amount of money can make for such a loss and Manchester City could now well have gained one of the most gifted young academy teenagers in the country with this deal.
The Premier League champions’ academy setup is the envy of every club in English football right now and Gorman has probably gone on to make the right decision for his young career.
Gorman is an incredibly gifted young player, making his Under-18’s debut as a 14-year-old and even featuring for the England Under-16s at the same age.
Leeds United were never going to avoid Manchester City’s interest and move for the teenager but this still hurts. Let’s hope this is the last of the Whites losing such a prestigious talent on their books. Talents like Archie Gray must be kept at all costs right now.
In other Leeds United news, international media have heaped praise on Marc Roca for his “great” Europa League display for Real Betis