Mason Cotcher heads to Ipswich Town after stint at Leeds United in February
Former Leeds United trialist Mason Cotcher – who reportedly ‘impressed’ Mikel Arteta at Arsenal – has scored for Ipswich Town’s Under-21s, according to the East Anglian Daily Times.
The report on 24 April reveals that Cotcher, 17, was the trialist who came on as a substitute and scored the second goal of a 2-0 victory over Wigan on 23 April.
The versatile forward enjoyed a fruitful year with Sunderland’s Under-18s side last season but rejected the offer of a professional contract in September.
He has since had trials at Arsenal – where he was even given the chance to train with the first team, such was the impression he made – as well as Manchester United and Leeds before linking up with Ipswich.
Should any of those sides – or even clubs such as Rangers or Brighton, who have been credited with an interest in the teenager – wish to sign him, Sunderland will be due compensation which may be decided at a tribunal if no agreement can be reached.
Should Leeds United offer Mason Cotcher a professional contract?
Cotcher appears to be developing a growing reputation following a string of trials at high-profile clubs.
His time at Arsenal in November seems to have been particularly fruitful, with Gunners boss Arteta seeing plenty of potential in the young forward.
Cotcher netted nine goals in 1,279 minutes in the Under-18 Premier League as a 16-year-old for Sunderland in 2022/23 and has three goals in the competition this term – one in two appearances for Arsenal and two in three outings for Leeds.
The teenager’s performances have clearly attracted plenty of attention – hence the links to Rangers and Brighton – and Leeds may wish to consider making a move for the young forward.
However, the Whites already boast a healthy complement of young strikers, with Mateo Joseph, Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins among those in the ranks at Elland Road.
If Leeds believe in Cotcher’s potential, though, they should still look to acquire him – particularly given the cost of doing so is likely to be very low.
In other Leeds news, a Premier League regular has been told to move to Elland Road as he would be “absolutely perfect” for Daniel Farke’s side.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.