Leeds United started a policy of signing hugely talented players at young ages over the last few years. Even though the success rate has been a little lopsided, the quality that has come of it has benefitted the team greatly.
Pascal Struijk and Crysencio Summerville are recent success stories of this policy. Both were signed at a young age, and were put into the U21s side. Fast forward years later, Struijk is now the captain of the club, while Leeds made a healthy profit of Summerville’s sale.
It hasn’t been completely successful, as some players are still not good enough to make the first team. Joe Gelhardt is an example of this – he was a highly rated prospect, but his signing has not panned out. He also fell out of favour with Daniel Farke, and is currently linked with a move to Hull City.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
West Ham target Leeds United star
Credit: Imago Images
Mateo Joseph is one of the success stories of the youth policy. He was brought in from Espanyol, and even though it took a while, he has broken into the first team.
But his time with the club may be cut short this summer, West Ham have a strong interest in signing the 21-year old according to The West Ham Way. Joseph is part of a shortlist of young talents from the Championship that the Hammers hope to sign as they plan a massive rebuild in the summer.
The Spain U21 international has three goals and three assists in 11 starts in the league this season.
Leeds should consider Mateo Joseph sale
As crazy as it may sound, Leeds United should consider selling the youngster. His value is as high as it can be. Joseph is now a regular with Spain’s youth sides and is a decent contributor off the bench for the Whites. But with his path to the first team blocked by Piroe, Dan James and Manor Solomon among others, now may be the perfect time to let him go.
Assuming Leeds make some attacking signings this summer, he goes down the pecking order. The club can stand to make a profit off of him.
