Leeds United are bracing for the departure of promising younger goalkeeper Alex Baird, with a number of golf equipment monitoring his scenario forward of the January switch window, in line with Pete O’Rourke.
The 18-year-old, who has but to make a senior look for Leeds, is broadly anticipated to go away Elland Highway on the finish of the season after struggling to safe a pathway to first-team soccer.
Baird joined Leeds’ academy setup with excessive expectations, however his progress has slowed in latest months.
This season, he has featured eight instances within the U18 Premier League, conceding 19 objectives whereas conserving simply two clear sheets. Regardless of these numbers, scouts have reportedly been impressed along with his shot-stopping capacity and reflexes.
Leeds United goalkeeper set to go away in January
Soccer insider Pete O’Rourke confirmed the rising curiosity by way of X (previously Twitter), writing:
“Leeds United U18 goalkeeper Alex Baird is attracting robust curiosity from a number of golf equipment forward of the January switch window. The highly-rated younger shot-stopper will likely be accessible on a free switch in January with a number of sides monitoring his scenario intently.”
Baird, who turned 18 in August, has discovered alternatives restricted because of stiff competitors in Leeds’ youth ranks.
Goalkeepers Darryl Ombang and Rory Mahady are each forward of him within the pecking order for the Beneath-21s, leaving Baird with little room for development.
Along with his present deal expiring quickly and no signal of a contract renewal, the participant and his representatives at the moment are exploring new alternatives that will enable him to play common soccer.
Though Leeds are reluctant to lose one other homegrown expertise, sources near the membership recommend that they won’t stand in Baird’s means ought to he determine to go away.
His potential departure follows a latest pattern at Elland Highway, the place a number of younger gamers, have departed in latest seasons.
A transfer away may show useful for each events. Baird would have the possibility to proceed his improvement in a extra aggressive setting, whereas Leeds may unencumber academy house for rising prospects of their youth setup.