Leeds United are closing in on a deal for teenager Lewis Pirie and Aberdeen will be ‘disappointed’ to see the homegrown starlet go for just £200,000.
That is the view of Dons legend Willie Miller. Aberdeen, after all, have been here before.
The likes of Ryan Fraser, Scott McKenna, Calvin Ramsey, Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack have all bid farewell to Pittodrie over the years. But the frustration, as far as Lewis Pirie is concerned, is that one of the most exciting teenagers in Scotland is leaving without ever making a first-team appearance.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Pirie will undergo a medical at Leeds United today. The Championship outfit will, at least, pay £200,000 in compensation.
But, according to Miller, that will not offset the disappointment of seeing a homegrown talent head south of the border before even celebrating his 17th birthday.
Leeds United close in on Lewis Pirie deal
“Aberdeen will be disappointed,” Miller, a three-time Scottish Premiership champion, tells the Press and Journal.
“Aberdeen will be frustrated he is set to move on. It is disappointing. We won’t get to see a striker who scored 51 goals last season break into the Aberdeen first-team.
“The downside of the development programme is that youngsters are allowed to go at a very early age for very little compensation.”
Former Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin said late last year that the ‘exciting’ Pirie would benefit from staying put; feeling that senior opportunities would be easier to come by north of the border.
At least, with Leeds United expected to be his destination, Pirie will join a club boasting one of the most prosperous academies in English football at present.
“I am sure Aberdeen will keep close tabs on Pirie,” Miller adds. “If it doesn’t develop down there, then there’s always the chance you could see him back at the club.
“I don’t think that is a negative way to look at it. That is a sensible, business way to look at it.”
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