Leeds United have announced their third new deal in one day, with right-back Joe Richards signing his first professional contract with the club. The 18-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, tying his future to Elland Road until 2025.
Richards played a key role in Leeds United’s run to the FA Youth Cup final last season, featuring in every minute of the competition and catching the eye with his committed tackling and raids forward from right-back. He also made an impression with Scott Gardner’s Under-21s team, scoring against Fulham in just his fourth Premier League 2 outing.
The young defender’s contract is a reward for his hard work and dedication, and is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent. Leeds United have a rich history of producing top-class players through their academy, and Richards is the latest in a long line of talented youngsters to emerge from the club’s youth ranks.
Richards’ signing is also a boost for Leeds United’s fans, who have been eagerly awaiting news of new contracts for the club’s academy talents. With several other deals expected to be announced in the coming days, the future looks bright for the Whites.
Earlier on Tuesday, Reuben Lopata-White’s first professional deal and Harry Christy’s new contract were announced, and there are expected to be several more contract deals announced over the coming days. Leeds United are building for the future, and their academy talents are at the heart of their plans.
The club’s academy has a reputation for producing talented young players who are capable of making an impact at the highest level. From Charlie Cresswell to Joe Gelhardt, Leeds United’s academy has a proud history of developing players who go on to make a name for themselves in the game.
Richards’ contract is a testament to the club’s faith in their young players, and is a reward for his hard work and dedication. The young defender has impressed for the Whites’ under-18 and under-21 sides, and has now committed his future to Elland Road until 2025.