Alex Baird announcement made as Leeds United deal struck
Leeds have been active this summer, mostly sorting deals for their academy talents go out on loan.
Harry Gray has left Leeds for senior football with Rotherham, while Devon Brockie has joined Cleethorpes Town.
Facundo Buonanotte has arrived at Leeds on loan from Brighton, but there have been no other incomings so far at Elland Road.
It seems as though they are still looking at outgoings, after the latest news on academy starlet Alex Baird.
Non-League club announce arrival of Leeds gem Alex Baird
Daniel Farke seems keen to get his youngsters playing regular football, outside of the youth ranks, this month.
Northern Premier League Bridlington Town announced that they had sealed a one-month loan for the 18-year-old Whites prospect on 20 January.
Taking to X, they confirmed that he will link up with their first team, as part of his development into the senior game, and leave Thorp Arch on a temporary basis.
Why Leeds loan exit makes sense for Baird
Ultimately, senior football is the best option for the Whites’ young talents at the moment, as it benefits their development much more than academy football.
It allows them to deal with the challenges and the pressure that comes with the transition from the youth ranks into the professional game.
It also gives the club an insight into whether they can handle that change, and the fact that it is with a step seven team, means that he will be out of the limelight.
Alex Baird factfile
- Date of birth: 1 August 2007 (age 18)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current club: Leeds United Under-18s
- International career: Not capped by England at any level
That should give Baird the chance to play football, against seasoned veterans, and gain valuable experience without there being too many eyes on his performances.
The Peacocks’ academy staff will obviously be keeping an eye on the young goalkeeper and his progress with the Yorkshire-based outfit, but there will not be many others doing so.
The move makes sense for all parties, and will help the LS11 club to decide whether Baird has what it takes to succeed at a higher level.
It is likely to be the first of many loans for the prospect, and if he can impress, then the Whites may decide he needs a higher level of competition.
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