According to Leeds Live, Max Dean could be set for an improved deal at Leeds United following his breakthrough in Premier League 2. The youngster has impressed the onlookers with his performances with the U23s and is tipped to earn a more prominent role in the team. Having recently turned 17, the forward is even eligible for a professional contract at Elland Road.
Who Is Max Dean?
Max Dean was a product of the Everton youth academy before he joined the Leeds United academy last summer. He was initially drafted as part of the Under-18 squad, but after making quite an impression in the U18 Premier League, the forward was given a chance to impress with the Elite Development Squad (EDS) earlier this season.
Fast forward to February, Dean has produced some excellent performances in Premier League 2, having netted four goals in just six appearances. He also scored twice in the EFL Trophy and is currently among the leading scorers in a Leeds U23 side that have dominated the Elite Development League.
In fact. Dean’s tally of six goals for the reserve side is only bettered by Joel Gelhardt, which is quite impressive given the fact that the former Wigan man is already a part of the Leeds United senior side. At the age of 17, Dean is also more than a year younger than Gelhardt.
One For The Future?
It is certainly too early to predict the future of Max Dean. However, his current development in the U23s has been more than impressive, and it is quite beneficial for the Whites, as three talented forward in Joel Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Dean himself compete to become the primary alternative for Patrick Bamford.
Gelhardt certainly has the upper hand, due to his Championship experience with Wigan coupled with the senior contract he was given earlier this year. But in Dean, the 18-year-old has a competitor who is more than capable of making waves not only in the youth competitions but also in the first-team, in the near future.
There is still a chunk of the season left to be played, though, so it will be interesting to see how Dean goes about his business during the remainder of the campaign. He will be hoping to continue his fiery run of form as the 17-year-old eyes a professional contract at Elland Road this summer.
