Leeds United director of football Victor Orta suggested that a new signing from Asia may be imminent.
Leeds fans came away from Victor Orta’s Q&A on LUTV with plenty of things to discuss as the director of football spoke fairly bluntly on several issues involving the Elland Road outfit.
But perhaps the most interesting and intriguing line to come from the Q&A was Orta’s suggestion that the Whites may be closing in on a surprise signing from Asia having expanded their scouting network over the recent months.
With that in mind, HITC Sport has compiled a list of five under-23 starlets currently plying their trade in Asia who, if Leeds are not already targeting them, should be on their radar as they continue to bolster their academy ranks…
Shan Huanhuan
Shan Huanhuan is a Chinese forward who last played for Chinese Super League side Beijing Guaon. The 18-year-old left the club last year, so may perhaps be worth a gamble given that he would not cost any money to bring in.
Mohammad Soltani Mehr
The highest ranked nation in the Asia Football Confederation is Iran so perhaps Orta and his team would be wise to look there for potential targets. Mohammed Soltani Mehr is one of the brightest prospects in the country, having made 12 appearances for Saipa. His most impressive form has come for his country’s youth sides, with the central midfielder scoring 11 goals in 42 internationals at various levels.
Dylan Pierias
Given that Australia compete in the AFC, we have included two of their brightest prospects on this list. The first, Dylan Pierias is a defender playing for Melbourne City. He became the first A-League player to be born after the year 2000 when he made his debut earlier this year shortly before his 17th birthday. He plays alongside former Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny for City.
Christian Theoharous
Staying in Melbourne but switching to the Victory, Leeds should consider moving for young forward Christian Theoharous. The 17-year-old has also made just one A-League appearance to date, but his form for the reserves is extremely impressive with 16 goals coming in 22 games. Orta mentioned trying to find the next Mark Viduka in his Q&A with LUTV, so perhaps the Whites should give Theoharous the chance to prove himself.
Takefusa Kubo
With former Japan international Toshiya Fujita joining the club as Head of Football Development in Asia over the summer, it would hardly be a surprise if the potential new signing came from Japan. One of the most exciting starlets in the country is Takefusa Kubo, a 16-year-old who is currently on FC Tokyo’s books. The attacking midfielder, who can also play up front, spent around four years on Barcelona’s books before returning to Japan, so there is clearly plenty of potential there.
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