Leeds United make big statement after new Charlie Crew development
Leeds United have tied down their next possible academy wonder to a long-term contract in the form of midfielder Charlie Crew.
The Whites announced via their official website on 12 July that the 18-year-old had signed a new four-year contract until 2028, headlining a series of new deals for academy players at Thorp Arch.
Crew is yet to make his full first-team debut, but did feature on the bench for Daniel Farke’s side on several occasions towards the back end of last season and has been tipped to make a breakthrough before long.
Having already made his senior debut for Wales this summer, Crew’s new deal suggests that he is in line to be a fixture under Farke next season after starring in the academy [Wales X account, 29 May].
Charlie Crew can emulate Archie Gray impact at Leeds United
There’s a clear example to show just how high a teenage starlet can rise at Elland Road, and the development of Archie Gray will surely encourage Crew to seize his opportunity with both hands.
Recently sold to Tottenham for £40million after the Whites failed to achieve promotion from the Championship, Gray made his full debut on the first day of last season and never once looked back.
Like Gray, Crew is a versatile midfielder who can operate across several positions, and ahead of his debut is arguably further along in his development than Gray was at the start of the previous campaign.
Crew’s form in the academy created a selection dilemma for Farke and United’s youth coaches, but with the new campaign on the horizon, his path into the first team has never looked clearer [Yorkshire Evening Post, 9 May].
Another Thorp Arch product being a staple of the side would certainly be a welcome sight for fans – but they’ll be hoping that, unlike Gray, Crew wears the Whites shirt for more than a single season.
In other Leeds news, Brighton have made their final decision on a transfer for Whites winger Crysencio Summerville.
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