Oliver Casey has been handed his first professional contract at Leeds United, but he did not see it coming.
It was announced on Thursday that the Whites have handed the 17-year-old a deal that is set to run until 2020 as he continues to impress in the under-18 ranks at Thorp Arch.
Leeds have seemingly earmarked the defender as the next starlet to look out for amongst an academy that seems to churn out exciting youngsters almost with ease after announcing his new deal. But Casey admitted that he definitely did not expect to be penning terms with the Championship side, who he has supported throughout his life.
“I’ve been at Leeds since Under-11s, so I’m buzzing to sign a professional deal,” he told the club’s official website. “Being a Leeds fan as well, it makes it all a bit more special for me and all the years I’ve been here have paid off.
“I still watch the first team games every week, I love it, my dad has been bringing me to games since I was young. When I first found out about getting a pro deal I was shocked as you usually find out a bit later in the year.”
It is extremely exciting for Leeds fans that they have such a large cluster of prospects to watch out for in the coming years. In the years in the wilderness of the Football League, it has often been the talented youngsters that have given the Elland Road faithful something to be optimistic about.
Casey may be some way off breaking into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, but there is no reason to believe that he could not soon be on the under-23 radar and pushing the likes of Conor Shaughnessy and Aapo Halme for a chance in Carlos Corberan’s lineup.
And from there, he has a fantastic opportunity to catch Bielsa’s eye.
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