Leeds United have benefited from their youth policy and academy over the past few seasons.
Under Victor Orta, the club signed Pascal Struijk, and Crysencio Summerville among others. They developed at the U21 side and both became first team players.
The Leeds academy has also produced Archie Gray, and Kalvin Phillips in recent years. This past transfer window, the Whites made around £60million off the sales of Gray and Summerville. Kalvin Phillips also moved for £45million back in 2022. However, things have not gone smoothly for Phillips who is now out on loan.
Leicester City chase Leeds United academy graduate
Brentford FC v Ipswich Town FC Ipswich midfielder Jack Clarke looks dejected as Brentford FC score 4-3 during the Brentford FC v Ipswich Town FC English Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London, England, United Kingdom on 26 October 2024 Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. All rights reserved. Premier League and Football League images are subject to licensing agreements with Football DataCo Limited. see https://www.football-dataco.com Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1186-0072
Jack Clarke left Leeds United after spending nine years at the club, coming through the academy. He was signed for £10million in 2019 after he played less than one full season at Leeds United.
Clarke never found his feet at Spurs, and had to go out on loan to QPR, Stoke City and eventually Sunderland – where he signed on a permanent deal.
After 15 goals and 4 assists in the Championship last year, newly promoted Ipswich town signed him. Clarke has not quite made his mark in the Premier League. Alan Nixon now reports that Leicester City are keen on taking the forward off Ipswich’s hands.
The Foxes have been monitoring Clarke for a while now. However the only stumbling block may be the FIFA rules on representing multiple clubs within the same season. Clarke has played for Sunderland as well as Ipswich this season, which could make it difficult if he wants to join Leicester in January.
What next for Clarke?
Jack Clarke was linked with Leeds United this summer, before he joined Ipswich. A return to his old club was on the cards, but the newly promoted Premier League side swooped in early.
Clarke has only started three league games this season, but it is not all doom and gloom. With a congested fixture schedule from now till the end of the year, the former Leeds man will surely get playing time as coaches rotate their squad.
As for a return to Leeds United in January, this is very unlikely. Clarke would prefer to stay than to return to the Championship. Leeds United are after a wide player, and have been linked with this former Scottish Premiership winner.
