Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows has revealed he ‘did everything’ to try keep Lewis Pirie at the club following his move to Leeds United.
Burrows was speaking to Aberdeen’s official club website after Pirie’s permanent transfer to Leeds was confirmed yesterday evening.
According to Press and Journal, Leeds are said to have paid around £200,000 to prise Pirie to Elland Road, who is regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents.
Reports from north of the border indicate Pirie scored 51 goals for club and country last season and Aberdeen were desperate to keep him by offering him a new contract extension.
However, Leeds were able to fend off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Celtic to the teenager’s signature.
Aberdeen chief reveals disappointment at losing Pirie
It has become a recurring trend in recent seasons for some of Scotland’s most promising young players to make the move to England, with Leeds themselves having made strong use of the market.
Dons chief Burrows has revealed they did everything in their power to keep Pirie at the club, but insists they have secured a good deal providing he fulfils his potential.
He said: “We are obviously disappointed to be losing Lewis as he is one we had high hopes for, but at the same time we wish him all the best for future. We did everything we possibly could to convince Lewis and his family to stay with Aberdeen, but he has decided to go to Leeds.
“Steven Gunn has managed to negotiate a deal that gives some comfort in the short term, but also has significant upside should Lewis develop into the player we hope he can be.”
Pirie will initially go into Leeds’ U18s side alongside fellow Scottish arrival Joshua McDonald, who joined from Hamilton a matter of hours earlier.
Leeds have placed a heavy emphasis on academy recruitment in recent years and that does not appear to be slowing down despite relegation from the Premier League.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
