Leeds United employee issues ‘huge’ ‘£10m’ transfer claim after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has insisted prioritising youth development is “huge” for the future of Leeds United.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the revenue gained from selling academy products could be “massive” for the Yorkshire giants.
Speaking during the Training Ground Guru’s webinar on Tuesday (22 March), director of football Victor Orta revealed the club’s strategy is focused on youth development over big investment in the transfer market.
The Spaniard claimed Leeds cannot “be in the market for £150million” every season.
As such, he insisted the “only way” for the club to grow is through developing academy talent.
Whelan pointed to the £10million sale of Jack Clarke to Tottenham as proof Leeds’ strategy is working.
Asked how important youth development is for a club like Leeds, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.“It’s huge. It’s massive, it really is.
“I think I’ll use Jack Clarke as an example – £10million, that’s all I need to say. It’s £10million from nothing after one or two decent seasons.
“That is how important it is to the club to bring revenue back in and to filtrate to other areas of the club to strengthen. It really is huge.
“I don’t think any team can put their finger on how important having a good academy system, bringing players through and integrating them into the first team is.
“It’s just huge.”
Clarke left Leeds in 2019 after making just 28 first-team appearances.
He has struggled for game time at Tottenham and is currently on loan at Sunderland.
In other news, pundit claims Leeds United may have next Kalvin Phillips at Thorp Arch after transfer reveal.