Leeds United have pulled off masterstroke with under-the-radar signing of Lewis Pirie

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Published on:

25 Sep 2023, 1:40 pm

Leeds United made a number of high-profile signings in the summer window, not least the captures of Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu.

Eleven players were signed in total - including both permanent signings and loan arrivals - to offset the numerous departures from Elland Road.

Not all of that incoming transfer business includes first-team stars, as it also takes into account those who were signed with an eye on the future.

Indeed, United's transfer business got up and running with the captures of Josh McDonald and Lewis Pirie right at the start of the summer.

Given he is aged just 16 and has no first-team experience with Aberdeen, Pirie was never expected to challenge for a place in the senior squad anytime soon.

But the signs are certainly positive in terms of the teenage striker's long-term prospects at Elland Road he has made a big impression at age-grade level.

As pointed out by The Young Team on Twitter, an account that focuses on up-and-coming Scottish talent, Pirie is on fire at the moment.

After hitting a hat-trick against Sunderland in an U17 cup match, he has since scored in two substitute appearances for Leeds U18s.

16 year old Lewis Pirie impressing after move 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

He’s scored for Leeds Utd in each of his two sub appearances - against Newcastle Utd & Man City - in PL u18 so far.

Also hit a hat-trick against Sunderland in u17 cup - this one a trademark left foot hit from left edge of box 👇 pic.twitter.com/COPcKzqX3T
— The Young Team 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@The_Young_Team) September 25, 2023

Those goals came versus Newcastle United and Manchester City in the U18 Premier League, so he is no doubt catching the attention of the big boys.

Daniel Farke is not afraid to give younger players a chance, as highlighted by Archie Gray's seven league starts this season, and it may well be that Pirie is part of the first-team picture sooner rather than later.

Even if his big chance is further down the line than this season, this signing certainly looks like one that will pay off big time for Leeds in the long term.

In other Leeds United news, a journalist has shared details on what Farke did immediately after the win against Watford at the weekend.

Leeds United

Lewis Pirie