Paul Heckingbottom and his management unit would have been sweating over Tom Pearce’s contract situation as it was coming to an end in the summer. With some Premier League clubs vying for him, Leeds United could have lost their talented left back for free. However, according to latest reports, it seems that Tom Pearce is going to extend his stay at Elland Road and is going to sign a new contract soon.
More than one source reporting Tom Pearce has signed with #lufc. Important, that one. If anything, to prove the club can still keep their best youths. #mot https://t.co/2smE6EmcxV
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) May 22, 2018
The 20-year-old is the product of Leeds United academy and Heckingbottom had to bring him to his senior squad after they were lacking depth and quality in the left back department this season. Pearce went on to make his debut in the Championship and managed to get on the scoresheet as well. He made 5 appearances in total this season.
This can be considered as a huge achievement for the board and management and it shows that the Peacocks are still able to keep their best talents at the club even when clubs from top divisions were vying for him.
Heckingbottom has said that his side is in need of some surgeries and will look to sign some players in the transfer market to reinforce the squad and make a team who will hopefully manage to secure a playoff spot next term. Leeds were in the reckoning for the coveted playoff spot as they were unbeaten in their first seven games. However, following a drop in form and after some poor results in January, Thomas Christiansen was shown the door and United brought in Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom to replace him. However, he hasn’t been able to take the Championship by storm with his new side but one shouldn’t expect miracles in such a short period of time.
Leeds were found wanting in the left back department this season as they used various options. Borthwick Jackson, who was on loan from Manchester United was used initially. However, after a few outings, he was sidelined after failing to cut the mustard and was sent back to his parent club in January. Their new signing Laurens De Bock has failed to provide any spark and stability at the back and the manager had to use Vurnon Anita, who is traditionally a defensive midfielder, in the left-back role.
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On the back of all these, the extension of Tom Pearce’s contract was important for them and he will likely to get more first-team opportunities next season as he has impressed everyone in such a short period of time.
