Following his departure to Manchester City, Leeds United sensation Finlay Gorman wrote a farewell letter to the Whites, expressing gratitude for their part in his development.
After spending seven years at the Leeds academy, the 15-year-old academy star will be leaving Thorp Arch after apparently agreeing to a three-year contract with the Premier League winners, as reported by Fabrizio Romano [25 December]. Gorman has expressed his gratitude to his coaches and teammates and has thanked Leeds for their part in his development, even though the departure would have been a blow to the Whites and their youth system.
“Just want to give a big thank you to Leeds United for developing me and giving me the best support to make me the player I am today, something I will always be grateful for,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram account on December 27. After seven years, I wish the best for my teammates and all those involved in the club.
Gorman appears to have a bright future in the football world, even if it may not be with Leeds United. It is unfortunate that he won’t be able to further his development at Elland Road.
It would be difficult for Leeds to withstand attention from a Premier League powerhouse like Manchester City, as Premier League teams were sure to be circling to capture the young player given his strong performances in the Whites’ academy squads.
The one bright spot for Leeds is that they should earn a nice sum for the young player, which lessens the sting of the trade but still doesn’t make up for the loss of one of their best academy products.
Gorman’s message to the club on Wednesday made it very evident that he is a highly responsible man. Considering that he is only 15 years old, the message to the Whites is extremely sophisticated.
Even though Gorman doesn’t play for Leeds United’s first team, there is obviously a great deal of respect between the two parties.
