Latest reports suggest that Leeds United are keeping track of Kidderminster Harriers’ midfielder Ed Williams. The club is currently part of the National League North which is in the sixth tier of English football. The midfielder has impressed quite a few scouts as Aston Villa, Derby County and Ipswich Town are among the other Championship clubs who have shown an interest in him. Apart from these, a host of League One and League 2 clubs are monitoring the midfielder’s situation which has caught the eye.
The midfielder has scored six goals in 7 games so far and is quite easily one of the hottest prospects in the lower divisions of football. The 23-year-old has previously been part of clubs like Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town. Williams was born in Cheltenham and joined his local club at the youth level before making a move to Gloucester City.
The midfielder was watched by the Whites’ scout when his side took on Atherstone Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round where he impressed and helped his team to secure a win.
Williams was signed on just a year-long contract at Kidderminster, and therefore quite a few clubs would look to sign him in January. Williams started out young as a footballer, but he is gaining prominence in his twenties now as he wasn’t considered to be physically imposing enough when he was with Cheltenham. Over the last few years at Gloucester, the midfielder has come off well on the physical front and looks capable of handling himself to the rigours of English football.
We often see gems being discovered in the lower leagues of football and Jamie Vardy is one of the names which springs into mind whenever we think of someone who had a miraculous rise from the lower divisions of English football. Leeds United would hope that Williams can turn into someone like that for them if they sign him in January.
However, the Whites need to look at more established and proven options if they want to continue their pursuit of the English top flight. The month of January is going to be a crucial period for Marcelo Bielsa as they need to reinforce their squad in some positions after they have been hit with some injuries especially in the attacking third of the pitch.
It is always good to keep stock of young prospects in the squad, and maybe Williams can turn out to be another one of those inspiring stories. However, we believe, he should play in League One or League Two first to prove himself before a club like United goes after him.
