Leeds United’s on-pitch exploits might have taken a hit in the last couple of days but off of it, the club were able to announce some good news 24 hours after the loss to Portsmouth.
The 1-0 defeat has seen Sheffield United go level on points with Leeds, while Burnley are only two points behind the top two. Both Sheffield United and Burnley play on Tuesday and could overtake The Whites.
On the pitch, things are concerning when it comes to Leeds’ bid for promotion. But on his 18th birthday, Leeds announced a three-year contract for Sam Chambers off the pitch after he made his debut this term.
Daniel Farke is a keen admirer of Chambers having handed him his debut against Plymouth, including Chambers during pre-season and then starting the Scotland U19 ace in the FA Cup defeat to Millwall.
Leeds United fans react as Sam Chambers contract confirmed
Scoring against Harrogate in pre-season, two senior appearances and easily one of the best players at U21 level, Chambers is clearly highly-regarded at Thorp Arch and has been rewarded with a new deal.
Farke described Chambers signing a new contract as “perfect” in Monday’s press conference, a deal which the Leeds manager said is a clear of example of what he is trying to achieve with the youth at Elland Road.
Leeds fans responded to the new deal announced, and the overriding reaction is one of delight for a player that has now spent the last decade at Thorp Arch, and could be the next off the conveyor belt.
@ALister97980: Congratulations, love seeing the young talent shining for Leeds United.
Chambers is unlikely to add to his tally in the remaining 10 games but Farke is a big fan of the versatile attacker and one fan said it as “good news”. Another posted on X: “Congratulations, fully deserved.”
The Scotland youth international could find himself in the squad though depending on injuries. Some fans suggested him over Brenden Aaronson: “Start him at 10”, and “Stick him straight in the 10 role.”
@BLayerofficial: Could he play 10 over Aaronson?
Aaronson’s form is a concern and another posted “got to be better than Aaronson surely”. One reacted to Chambers’ deal by saying “whack him at 10”. Unlikely, given Aaronson has started 34 games in a row.
What next for Sam Chambers after signing new Leeds contract?
The 18-year-old has not been involved in a Championship squad since the 4-0 home win over Oxford United back in December. It means a call-up to the squad in the next 10 games depends on injuries.
Chambers is expected to be a part of Scotland U19’s squad for the March break, and then a loan deal will surely be considered in the summer given Leeds are expected to make some signings, if promoted.
However, failure to get promoted may actually aid Chambers’ pursuit of first-team football at Leeds. If Leeds don’t go up, it is easy to imagine Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto and Manor Solomon leaving.
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