Leeds United have finally started work on incoming transfers in the form of teenage stars Josh McDonald and Lewis Pirie, from Scottish clubs Hamilton and Aberdeen – and both have posted on Instagram on Thursday afternoon.
Pirie has joined after scoring 51 goals last season for club and country, 16-year-old Pirie arrives on a scholarship at Leeds. The 16-year-old attacker will be tasked with breaking into our Under-21 side during the 2023-24 campaign.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Pirie, who has five caps for Scotland’s U16 side, has cost Leeds a fee of £200,000. Meanwhile, McDonald has also joined the academy from Hamilton – having also impressed for Scotland’s U16 side.
Able to play anywhere on the frontline but predominantly as a winger, McDonald will link up with his Scotland U16 teammate. Both players have since posted on Instagram after agreeing moves to Leeds, arriving on Thursday.
McDonald and Pirie post on Instagram after agreeing Leeds United moves
While it is not some much-needed first-team signings, it is a sign that Leeds can do business without the ratification of the EFL over a takeover from Andrea Radrizzani, to The 49ers. It is unclear if the Italian had to give permission.
Hopefully, it has opened the floodgates. Leeds confirmed their 12th exit of the summer in the form of Rodrigo after McDonald and Pirie joined, with the striker completing a permanent move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan for a fee of £3m.
Leeds desperately need additions. Goalkeepers, right-sided centre-backs, a left-back, central midfielders, wingers, a no.10 and a striker. But the signings of Pirie and McDonald show work is being done, and transfers can be made.
Leeds are next in action on July 22 against French side Monaco and you would like to think that one or two new players are in Daniel Farke’s squad by that point. Nothing seems imminent, though. Plenty of work to be done.
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