Whelan gutted as ‘exceptional’ Gotts among Leeds quartet set to leave
Noel Whelan claims Leeds United may have become victims of their own success as a group of young players look set to leave this summer.
The former Whites hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on the futures of several youngsters.
On 7th July, this site revealed Leeds have told Robbie Gotts to find a new club this summer.
A day later, it was also revealed Jordan Stevens and Bryce Hosannah will be allowed to leave along with Niall Huggins.
It is understood the players will be shipped out on season-long loans if permanent transfers cannot be arranged.
Whelan admits it’s harder for youngsters to break into the team now Leeds are back in the Premier League.
“You are always given a certain amount of time to break into the first team,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“That pathway would have been easier in the Championship. Now we’re back in the Premier League only a few will make it.
“You have to be exceptional, a standout. Gotts was exceptional when we were in the Championship and you looked at the Under 23s.
“We hit the Premier League a lot quicker than expected so the youngsters have to prove themselves really quickly.
“They haven’t managed to show the manager that they can be used next season.“
Gotts, Huggins and Hosannah came through Leeds’ youth academy while Stevens joined from Forest Green Rovers in 2018.
Gotts, Hosannah and Stevens all have contracts that run until next summer.
In other news, Leeds United have been tipped to seal a new signing imminently as an exit medical is booked.