‘It’s paying off’… Teenager admits he took a big risk joining Leeds United, it has worked now

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Leeds United teenager Charlie Crew has explained why it was “very difficult” to move to Elland Road in 2022 from Cardiff City, but says he is loving life in Yorkshire with the Under-21 side right now.

Crew, 17, has played 11 times in all competitions for the U21 side this season. He is impressing for the second string, who have just lost boss Michael Skubala. Skubala has joined League One side Lincoln.

Even captaining the 21’s on occasion including the Premier League International Cup win over Nice, Crew has been excellent. His form taking him into Wales’ U21 side, with a view to a senior call-up.

Crew has trained with Rob Page’s senior side this season alongside the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Dan James – with Ampadu declaring himself “really excited” to watch Crew’s progression.

Speaking on his move to Leeds in 2022 from Cardiff, Crew explained how it was a difficult decision to make to leave his hometown and take himself out of his comfort zone – on the Y Clwb Pel-Droed site.

“It was a very hard decision to make, but it was one myself and my family felt was right, and it really was a family decision. We did go back and forth on whether we should go or stay,” Crew explained.

“In the end, we decided to jump into it, take the risk. In my opinion, it’s paying off. I’m really comfortable at Leeds and I’m loving my time up there,” the young midfielder added, speaking to Y Clwb Pel-Droed.

Charlie Crew on difficult decision to join Leeds United in 2022

Crew is a serious talent. In a week where Finlay Gorman seems like he is about to join Manchester City, and both Harry Gray and Archie Gray are being linked with exits – Leeds must keep hold of Crew.

Leeds have a serious crop of young talents coming through and the fact that Crew is already captaining our U21’s, and playing for Wales’ U21’s, shows he is a serious player. He turns 18 next June.

On the day he turns 18, Leeds must be ready with a new contract for Crew – who will nearly enter the final 12 months of his contract at that point. Hopefully, no big hitters come calling by that point.