Charlie Allen has bid farewell to life in Linfield with the highly-rated midfielder expected to complete his move to Leeds United this week, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
While speculation continues to rage around the likes of Jonathan David, Sergio Romero and a seemingly endless supply of exciting Argentines, the first newbie to arrive at Elland Road in the post-promotion era looks set to be an exciting young Irishman.
Despite being linked with the likes of Celtic, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man City and more, Belfast Live reported back in March that Leeds had won the race to sign one of the most coveted talents from across the sea.
And, with the Championship season coming to an end last week, Allen is now packing his bags and heading to West Yorkshire.
The YEP claims that the teenager will be on his way to England later this week after attending a goodbye bash back home in Ireland.
“Charlie was named in the 25-man squad for the (Europa League qualifier) against Rosenborg which tells you how much we rate him,” Linfield manager, and former Leeds striker, David Healy told the Belfast Telegraph last year.
“Hopefully, when he does go he will make the right choices and have an incredible full-time career.”
Healy, Northern Ireland’s all-time record goalscorer, was under no illusions that Allen would be on his way to bigger and better things sooner rather than later.
And, while the likes of Man City and Liverpool might have been tempted to farm him out on a series of loans, Elland Road could be the perfect environment for the technically gifted midfielder.
After all, Marcelo Bielsa is perhaps the best in the business when it comes to helping youngsters realise their potential.
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