Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke arrived at Elland Road last summer with a strong reputation for attracting and developing young talent.
James Maddison, Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Emi Buendia and Todd Cantwell, who revealed he once almost joined the Whites, were just some of the prospects he helped develop during his time at Norwich City.
The German boss continued his excellent work with youngsters when he arrived in Yorkshire as Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph were brought into the first team and given the chance to show their skills on the big stage.
Farke’s ability to help youngsters come through the ranks is why the club must continue to strengthen its academy, giving him a fantastic pool of talent to choose from each summer.
Leeds United are interested in the teenage striker
LeedsLive recently reported that a young ace on their radar is Glasgow Rangers striker Archie Stevens, who once described himself as an “exciting” ball player,
The outlet claimed they were tracking the 18-year-old star, but noted that Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United have also been linked with him, suggesting there could be competition for his signature.
LeedsLive described him as one of the Light Blues’ biggest talents, adding that there is a “belief” that Stevens is now ready to play first-team football next season.
The report highlighted Jack Harrison’s departure on loan to Everton and speculation over Crysencio Summerville, but added that the England youth international would not come in as a direct replacement for either.
Instead, Steven could come in as a talented young player who could hit the jackpot for the club if he can become the next teenager to fulfill his potential in Yorkshire.
Why Archie Stevens Could Be Archie Gray 2.0
At the start of last season, Gray had yet to make his debut for Leeds and was a central midfielder in the U21s until the German coach had a brilliant idea.
The former Norwich boss converted the then 17-year-old into a right-back or first-team role and the outstanding teenager went on to make 52 appearances for the club in all competitions.
His performances on the pitch at such a young age and out of his natural position earned him the Championship Young Player of the Year award and a £40m price tag, cementing Farke’s reputation as a development player.
23/24 champion
he was a regular for Leeds, appearing in 44 of their 46 league games, showing his defensive quality by winning most of his tackles despite his age and inexperience.
Stevens, who made his Rangers debut aged 16 against Queen of the South in 2022, could now follow in Gray’s footsteps and become the next teenage sensation at Elland Road.
LeedsLive reported that there is a belief among the Whites that the right-back could be ready for the first team and the 18-year-old gem has already been snapped up by England at U17 and U18 level.
So Stevens could be the next gem to be unearthed by Farke, again hitting a major jackpot, which they already did when they discovered £40million talent Gray – who was out of the first team this time last year. .