Leeds United’s deal for Everton ace Matthew Pennington is a sign top clubs are trusting them with their young players again.
Leeds United have undergone a big overhaul this summer with new owner Andrea Radrizzani at the helm.
They have made several new signings from across Europe and adding Championship experience like Vurnon Anita.
Matthew Pennington is the only loan addition made so far, but the defender’s signing is a potentially significant one.
Pennington arrives from Everton, and it is the first time since 2013 that Leeds have signed a player on loan from a top seven Premier League club.
Leeds have made a number of loan signings since, it has been a key part of how they have been able to operate in the transfer market.
Yet the Pennington signing is an indication that Leeds are being trusted again to develop players at the big clubs.
The last player signed from a top seven side in England’s first tier was also from Everton, when they brought in Ross Barkley in 2013.
This was a move which flopped, with manager at the time Neil Warnock failing to find a place for a player regarded as one of England’s brightest talents.
In hindsight the Barkley spell might have done Leeds quite a bit of harm, with top Premier League sides reluctant to send their best young players to the club.
The Pennington loan deal may not be a one off, with Manchester United’s Cameron Borthwick-Jackson also on their radar, ESPN report.
Leeds finally appear a stable club again under the ownership of Andrea Radrizzani, and Pennington will want to fare a lot better than Ross Barkley did at the club.
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