Report: £750k-rated teenager who Leeds were talking to signs first pro contract elsewhere

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As announced on Crystal Palace’s official website, prodigious talent Jadan Raymond has signed his first professional contract with the Eagles.

The 17-year-old was wanted by Leeds, with Football London even reporting that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were in talks with the teenager earlier this year.

However, the 2019/20 Championship title winners expressed concerns over the compensation figures involved – a tribunal had set the sum at around £750,000.

The teenager definitely looks to be some talent, and Victor Orta may well be regretting the fact he missed out on him if Raymond can live up to his potential.

European giants Benfica and Valencia were also interested in the young Englishman according to the Daily Mail.

Another report from the Daily Mail revealed that Manchester City were also monitoring Raymond, while Portuguese outfit Vitória de Guimarães had held talks with him along with Leeds.

While the Yorkshire-based side presumably won’t be too happy with Crystal Palace’s announcement, their focus on signing young prospects this year has been impressive.

Bielsa and Orta welcomed promising centre-forward Joe Gelhardt to Elland Road following Wigan’s relegation, while exciting prospect Sam Greenwood also arrived from Arsenal.

Add that to the likes of 23-year-old Raphinha joining the club, and it looks like Leeds will have a very exciting team for the future, with or without Raymond.