Leeds United’s academy may be flagging but is help at hand?
Elland Road
Are plans afoot to give Leeds United’s academy teams a boost for next season?
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that academy chief Adam Underwood has visited Qatar to visit Ivan Bravo’s Aspire academy, led by the former Real Madrid chief.
Bravo was linked with taking over at Leeds having been spotted at Elland Road with Andrea Radrizzani earlier this season.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported in February that while Bravo is keen to stay in Qatar, a partnership could be on the cards.
Revie Stand, Elland Road
Aspire Academy serve to develop Qatari talent, but they also offer scholarship deals to talented youngster from around the world, particularly from Africa, and they also own Belgian top flight club Eupen.
Belgian clubs have in the past been used by English sides to get African players acclimatised to Europe and even nationalised, in order to get work permits.
This could benefit Leeds United in the long term if they position themselves as a next staging post for developing talent.
At the very least, Leeds and Aspire appear open to looking at how they can work together.
If it can in some way benefit the club’s academy then any improvements will be welcome. The club’s under-18 and under-23 teams both sit bottom of their divisions after disappointing campaigns.
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