At one point this transfer window, it appeared that Leeds United were just going to use their recently-acquired Category 1 academy status to stock the side with highly-regarded youngsters. Then, finally, a deep sigh of relief when they bought Rodrigo Moreno and Robin Koch.
Still, the restocking of the youth ranks with quality players continues a trend that Andrea Radrizzani promised when taking full control of the club from his more volatile Italian predecessor. It was under Cellino that the legs were cut out from under the youth sides at Elland Road.
Like a phoenix from the ashes, youth is back on the agenda at Elland Road and has been over the last two seasons. It continues this season (below):
#lufc U23s lineup this afternoon-
Caprile,Drameh,Hosannah,Cresswell,Huggins,Kenneh,Jenkins,Stevens,Mckinstry,Greenwood,Gelhardt— Lufcyouth (@leedsutdacademy) September 1, 2020
From that U23 line-up, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt are ones who have arrived this window and join more established young stars such as Brice Hosannah, Jordan Stevens and Stuart McKinstry. The game against a very good Wolves outfit was a good test of the young Whites credentials to mix it with the best at this level.
Much is also expected of youngster Gelhardt who Leeds brought in from Wigan Athletic; he has already been given a squad number for next season.
