Leeds United are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign St. Pat’s teenage defender Sam Curtis in the January window – along with Premier League giants including Manchester City and Liverpool.
Curtis, 17, has starred for the Irish Premier League side over the last couple of years. Already at 17, he’s played a huge 60 times at senior level. Captaining Ireland’s U18 side, he has two caps for the U21 team.
His form saw him included in the 2023’s PFAI Team of the Year, as St. Pat’s finished third in a 10-man league. Shamrock Rovers perhaps unsurprisingly, winning the league. Now, Curtis is set to leave Ireland.
90Min state that a number of English clubs are looking at the Irish teen. Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United are all keen. Celtic have scouted him, while Leeds remain interested.
The report states that St. Pat’s fully expect him to leave in the winter window. The Irish league is now in the off-season, which will stretch to the start of next season, mid-February. Leeds are battling for him.
Leeds one of a number of clubs eyeing Irish talent Sam Curtis
So, which move is best for Curtis? Straight away, you would probably say Celtic are best-placed for Curtis. They have a strong connection with Irish football and buying young talents from that division.
Celtic would also offer him a solid pathway into the senior side, challenging for trophies and playing in Europe. One of the Premier League’s big clubs would see him struggle to break into the starting XI.
At Leeds – or other interested Championship clubs like Hull and Middlesbrough – he would instantly be installed in the U21 side, and with a chance of breaking in. But you’d argue Celtic is his best move.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
