Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Will Freeman

Leeds United set to continue academy recruitment policy after Joe Gelhardt success

Joe Gelhardt was a reason to be excited for Leeds fans last season after a mixed campaign. The 19-year-old signed by Leeds from Wigan as an U23 player in 2020 scored twice for the club including a goal at Stamford Bridge and a winner against Norwich in a crucial relegation 'six-pointer'.

While there are some big names linked to Elland Road this summer, the club have set their eyes on two young stars to join their U23 side ahead of next season. Birmingham City's George Hall and West Ham's Sonny Perkins are reportedly on their way to Yorkshire this summer after being identified as bright talents by the club's recruitment team.

This is being reported by the Athletic's Phil Hay and they are two names for fans to get excited about. Perkins made his professional debut for the Hammers in the Europa League against Dinamo Zagreb and is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who has featured for England at youth level.

READ MORE: Five players who could leave Leeds United ahead of Jesse Marsch rebuild

Hall, meanwhile, has made two Championship appearances for Birmingham City this season and is also a creative midfielder. The 17-year-old has come through the same academy as current England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and is very much one to watch for the future having featured for England's U18s this season

Neither transfer has been confirmed, but with The Whites looking to bolster their squad after injury problems in last season's relegation battle, fans will be exciteda bout the prospect of two of England's bright young sparks coming to Elland Road next season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.