Amari Miller has shared how he knew Leeds United were the club for him after negotiations with Victor Orta, as told to the Whites’ official website.
Miller has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road after joining from Birmingham City. Leeds paid an initial £200,000 for the transfer, which could rise to £1.5m through add-ons, per The Athletic.
Birmingham wanted to retain Miller but faced a losing battle after presenting the 18-year-old with a professional contract late. By then, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur had begun to show an interest, yet Leeds proved too attractive.
Miller’s move has disappointed some Birmingham fans but offers Leeds a promising young player. The winger has only played 187 minutes of senior football in his career after breaking through late last season.
Miller knew Leeds were the right club to now take the next step in his developments after speaking with Orta. The Birmingham-born prospect was already in awe of the football at Elland Road, but the Whites’ Director of Football sold him the dream.
“As soon as I spoke to Victor Orta and the club, I said to my agent that this was the one,” Miller said. “It’s a massive club with great fans, I have had loads of fans messaging me already and I feel like it’s a huge club for me.
“As a winger, I can see Leeds get a lot of one-v-one chances, which is something I really back myself in. They play quickly and at a high tempo, they press high up the pitch and train with such a high intensity which is unbelievable.
“I would say I am skilful, good at finishing and composed. Even coming from outside of Leeds, it’s amazing to see yourself at such a club like this.”
Orta sealed Leeds a perfect prospect with Miller
Orta sealed Leeds a perfect prospect by convincing Miller to join from Birmingham amid rival interest from Everton and Tottenham. His style of play should blend well with the system that Marcelo Bielsa is continually developing at Elland Road.
Miller should also get chances to build on his senior record at Leeds with Bielsa willing to giving youngsters minutes. It is a deal very much angled at acquiring potential over a proven product, but could prove a bargain if the silky-skilled speedster makes the step up.
Being able to play on either wing will help Miller at Leeds and Orta seems confident in his ability, too. The Whites’ Director of Football played a key role in bringing the talent to West Yorkshire and his words clearly reflected his confidence.
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