Exclusive: Whelan instant reaction as ’20 bid for Leeds defender revealed
Noel Whelan insists Leeds United did the right thing turning down an offer for promising right-back Bryce Hosannah earlier this year.
In an exclusive interview with Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Leeds striker lauded the club’s youth system and claims the 20-year-old is best off sticking with the Whites.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Hosannah’s father Roger revealed that there were a number of approaches made in January, including a “firm offer” from a Scottish Premiership side.
Hosannah went on to reveal Victor Orta rejected the bid and that Carlos Corberan told the youngster he wanted him to stay at Elland Road for the rest of the season.
Whelan believes the club made the correct decision keeping the starlet on board, suggesting he will be putting welcome pressure on the first-team stars.
Whelan told Football Insider: “When we look back throughout the years our development squads and under-23s have been very, very good to the club.
“We’ve got the right structure, we’ve got the right people in. We’re seeing a flurry of good young talent through the academy and showing the proof that it works.
“You can’t let a player go that’s wanted, other clubs will see the talent and you’ve got to let them flourish at the club that he’s at. That time will come for him and it will probably be, hopefully, sooner rather than later.
“We know how demanding the leagues are. Pressure and competition is healthy, especially when it’s coming from young players who are hungry as well. They’ll be showing no fear. The respect will be there for the players ahead of them but they won’t be showing any fear about taking their places.”
Hosannah is yet to make his debut for Leeds, having joined the youth setup from Crystal Palace back in 2017.
The closest he has come to playing for the first-team came back in December 2019, when he was left as an unused substitute for the win over Huddersfield.
In other Leeds United news, it can be revealed a big-money signing has stalled after Bielsa gave the green light.