This week Leeds announced their first signing of the summer. United secured the services of young Birmingham striker Amari Miller for an undisclosed fee as they look to build towards the future as well as the present.
Miller was drafted in to enhance United’s Under 23s and is part of Victor Orta’s move to bring in the finest young players so Leeds can continue to play at the very top level in years to come.
But not everyone associated with Leeds United will have been happy with the move. Former Leeds midfielder and current Birmingham manager Lee Bowyer was on the other side of the deal and lost one of the brightest young players in his squad.
Towards the end of last season, Bowyer decided to hand Miller his first team debut. However, he played down the significance of that and suggested his departure wasn’t that damaging in an interview with BirminghamLive: “Is it a blow? You are talking about a young kid that just came on in the last six or seven games of the season.
“I introduced him because I like him. Is he ready to go and start Championship games tomorrow? I don’t believe so.”
Despite downplaying the departure of Miller, he did believe a move to Leeds could bring the best out of the young player. In particular he identified the skills of Marcelo Bielsa as well as the quality of the first team as key reasons why he thinks Miller may kick on at Elland Road: “That’s his decision, you know. He is a young lad, he has gone to a good club, I don’t know what they will do with him, but I have to say the manager there, what he has done is exceptional.
“If he is in and around the first team and training, I have no doubt he will learn and improve.”
