Leeds United transfer news as Lewis Pirie move close after Josh McDonald
Leeds United are close to bringing in another young star in 17-year-old Lewis Pirie according to Leeds Live, following the announcement of Josh McDonald’s arrival from Hamilton Academical.
Pirie is thought to be close to joining Leeds United from Aberdeen for a rumoured fee of £200,000 with a medical thought to have been scheduled for Wednesday, as per a report by Aberdeen Live [11 July].
Both the new arrivals join from Scotland in what seems to be a clear direction from Leeds’ academy, bringing in young British players who would qualify as homegrown should they eventually make the step up to the senior squad, as would be expected after arriving for sizeable fees.
An interesting development at Leeds United
This clear direction from the club could set them in good stead for the coming years, buying young players for the future with a view for them to improve the academy side, and a hope that one day they may step up to the senior squad.
Recruitment of young British players has been more important for football clubs after Brexit rules prevent them from signing foreign young players due to a work-permit system which a 16-year-old wonderkid would not pass.
Pirie has impressed at youth level for Aberdeen, earning himself international recognition playing for Scotland’s under-16 side, and scored a huge 51 goals for his club and country last season.
The Aberdeen academy had offered Pirie a professional contract in hopes of keeping him at the club, but the player appears to have his heart set on joining Leeds United, who have just been relegated to the Championship, on a deal that will run until 2026.
In other Leeds United news, another star is set to leave the club after recent transfer twist.