Max Dean has been rewarded for his stunning form with Mark Jackson’s Under-23 side by earning his first professional terms with Leeds United – after playing an important part in their push for promotion to Premier League 2’s top tier. The striker has since posted on Instagram after putting pen to paper, underlining his delight at signing a new deal.
Dean, still only 17, has been showing huge signs of potential by shining for the second string. This season, he has broken into Jackson’s side – who sit miles ahead of their rivals at the top of Premier League 2 Division 2, and are only one win away from securing promotion. Dean has been important to that, scoring four goals in his eight PL2 appearances while also netting twice in two EFL Trophy appearances for the Yorkshire side.
Now, he has been awarded professional terms for his fine form. Given his age, it was hardly a surprise to see Dean earn a professional contract at Leeds and he will now be looking to break into the reserves on a regular basis. He posted on Instagram after penning a contract, clearly delighted.
Dean may find next season that his progression into the Under-23 side will become a lot more regular – given Joe Gelhardt’s stunning form at reserve level. The ex-Wigan man is on fire at the moment, most recently netting a hat-trick against West Brom at Thorp Arch for the 23’s. Gelhardt is widely expected to become a senior player soon, and that leaves Dean with a chance to break in.
Plenty of his 23’s teammates responded to his Instagram post, congratulating him on signing a new deal – including the likes of Gelhardt, Charlie Cresswell, Stuart McKinstry and Niall Huggins – the latter of whom made his senior debut during the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal.
