Leeds finalise defender deal as agent announces Elland Road terms
Leeds are set to be very busy in the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke has led the Whites back to the Premier League and they are set to invest in the squad to try and ensure survival.
However, extending contracts for players who are already at Elland Road is another priority for the 49ers ownership group.
Leeds tie down Howard to new deal
Several youngsters have broken into the first team in Yorkshire in recent years, the latest being Harry Gray, who made his debut in the 6-0 win over Stoke (21 April).
Another 16-year-old hoping to make an impact at Thorp Arch in the next few years is centre-back Jake Howard and he has signed a new deal with the Peacocks to keep him in LS11.
His agency, Sports Management International announced the news on Instagram (9 May), saying: “Massive congratulations to Jake Howard, who has signed his scholarship at Leeds United.
“Massive achievement, well done. The hard work starts now.”
Howard can be the next Leeds United gem
The Whites have allowed several youngsters to make the step up to the senior ranks in the last few seasons and Howard will be hoping that he does not have to wait too long to make an appearance.
It is a positive sign that he has signed a new deal with the Yorkshiremen as it means that they rate him highly and it should be enough to ward off any interested clubs who could have poached him at some point.
| Competitions | Howard appearances |
| U18 Premier League | 15 |
| FA Youth Cup | 2 |
| Premier League 2 | 1 |
The pathway to Farke’s team is clear, Howard just needs to keep working hard and impress the German with his performances in the youth ranks.
The former Norwich manager may struggle to hand out as much opportunities in the Premier League as he did in the Championship, but as the saying goes, if you are good enough, you are old enough, so he may see the field sooner rather than later if he continues to shine.
He has a promising future, with five appearances for the England Under-16 side and 15 matches in the U18 Premier League, whether he can make an impact on the senior set up at Leeds remains to be seen but signing a new deal is an encouraging sign.