Leeds United are gearing up for a fresh promotion battle after squandering their chance towards the closure of the previous campaign. They are determined to keep hold of their key individuals but, at the same time, failed to stop the exit of an array of academy prospects.
Marcelo Bielsa, hailed for nurturing youngsters, banked on youth last season over high-profile transfers. However, their 19-year-old midfielder Callum Nicell seems to have slipped through the net as he was identified featuring for the Leicester City U23s on Friday against Hednesford Town, according to Leeds Live.
Who Is Callum Nicell And Why He Is At Leicester?
Nicell had been a regular for Leeds’ reserves having been promoted to their U23 side last summer. He was also handed a two-year contract for his composure in the middle of the park and played a key role at Thorp Arch in the Professional Development League.
The Republic of Ireland youth international was included in ex-boss Paul Heckingbottom’s matchday squad against Sunderland and Preston towards the closure of the previous term. But he was far from impressive and only had those moments to meet football league’s homegrown quota.
“He’s homegrown, that’s it. It sounds nasty, but it’s not at all. We have to have seven in the 18 and he was next in line. He has trained with us and is doing well, but it is tough on some players who maybe would consider themselves in front of Callum.”
Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Leeds following their 1-1 draw against the Black Cats.
Things seem to have gone from bad to worse for Nicell in the aftermath of Bielsa’s appointment. Despite signing a new contract a year ago, the starlet has now been asked to find a new club to resurrect his career. He must have been featuring for the Foxes as a trialist and their next outing against Oud-Heverlee Leuven on Wednesday would answer many questions regarding the future of the homegrown prodigy.
Why Leeds Should Have Been More Patient With The Teenager
Leeds are regarded for their esteemed youth set-up that has produced world-class talents over the years. Bielsa is doing his level best to carry the legacy forward, yet he missed out on a few who could have been a revelation for the senior side. Aapo Halme, Hugo Diaz and Mallik Wilks, in particular, deserved their chances at Elland Road. But they have been allowed to depart and attain first-team football elsewhere.
While the Whites might coup a minuscule figure for Nicell if he is successfully offloaded within the upcoming weeks, the teenager could have been evaluated during the ongoing pre-season phase before making the final call over his future.
