The summer transfer window has been open for a few weeks now and very little has changed surrounding the Leeds United first team pitcure.
It’s likely things will pick up pace with new arrivlas coming in and current stars departing once a new first team coach has finally been confirmed. In the meantime, the youth academy appear to be very busy adding exciting new faces to their ranks.
Scottish League One side Hamilton Academical released a statement last night which confirmed that they have reached a ‘final agreement’ for midfielder Josh McDonald to move to the Whites and another talent from north of the border looks set to be joining him.
The Daily Record are reporting that Leeds United are ‘closing in’ on a six figure deal for Aberdeen youngster Lewis Pirie. It is claimed that Leeds are ‘in advanced talks’ with the striker having agreed a fee, which is above the compensation the Dons are due, and future add-ons built in. Pirie netted 51 goals for club and country at youth level last season and has been linked with United for a while now.
It is also understood that Scottish champions Celtic, as well as Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, were interested in the striker but Leeds have fended off the competition to capture his signature. Aberdeen are also said to have ‘fought hard’ to try and keep him at Pittodrie and offered him terms on a professional deal.
Having come through the youth ranks first at Dundee FC then at Aberdeen, Pirie will reportedly move to Yorkshire on a scholar contract and sign a professional deal when he turns 17. Football statistics site Transfermarkt list Pirie’s birthday as January 16, 2007 meaning he will turn profesional early in 2024 when he celebrates his 17th birthday.
The 29-year-old re-joined the Whites this summer to train after his contract at Norwich City expired and the full-back impressed in the pre-season friendlies against AS Monaco, Nottingham Forest and Hearts. Ahead of the new Championship season, Byram has now signed a one-year deal at Elland Road, penning terms until the summer of 2024.
Byram will again wear the number 25 shirt, the same number he wore during his previous spell with the club. The defender could also make his second debut for the Whites in Sunday’s Championship opener against Cardiff City at Elland Road, subject to EFL and FA approval
Bowler has spent time on loan at Greek giants Olympiacos since joining Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal last summer but has struggled to rediscover the type of form which saw him recognised as one of the Championship’s hottest prospects during his time at Bloomfield Road.
Twenty-four-year-old Bowler arrives at the Cardiff City Stadium on a season-long loan from Forest and could feature at Elland Road this weekend as Erol Bulut’s side take on Leeds
“I’ve played in the Championship quite a lot,” Bowler said on arriving in South Wales. “This season for me is about getting minutes and showing everyone at Cardiff City what I can do and hopefully taking them to the promised land. With the squad we have and with the additions we’ve made, that’s what we have to aim for.”
Bowler has 96 Championship appearances to his name, spread out across spells with Hull City, Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers. In that time, he has scored 12 goals, most of which coming for the Seasiders during 2021/22.
Bluebirds boss Bulut said of Bowler’s arrival: “Two years ago, Josh was one of the best wingers in the Championship. We’re excited he’s here. He’s a good worker, with a great left-foot, who will bring goals and assists to our side.
“We now have a variety of possibilities across our front line. They will all bring something different and offer us more creativity this season.”
Bowler is the sixth arrival at the Cardiff City Stadium this summer after Wales icon Aaron Ramsey, former Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo, Championship stalwart Karlan Grant, ex-Reading attacker Yakou Meite and defender Dimitrios Goutas all joined Bulut’s ranks
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