Exclusive: Bruce blown away by landmark Leeds recruitment development | OneFootball

Alex Bruce has been left greatly encouraged by Leeds United’s early transfer business.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Leeds defender delivered his verdict as Marcelo Bielsa’s signings made it clear his early focus is on youth.

The flurry of activity comes as Leeds confirmed last month that the club’s academy has been awarded Category One status. The news was followed by the announcement the club will enter an u23 side will compete in next season’s Leasing.com trophy.

As exclusively revealed by Football Insider Leeds added Wigan youngster Joe Gelhardt, 18, for a seven-figure fee last week.

They then added 16-year-old Charlie Allen from Linfield on a three-year-deal.

Football Insider also exclusively revealed Leeds’ interest in Fulham full-back Cody Drameh, 18, who joined on Thursday.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Bruce reflected on Leeds’ early transfer activity: “He’s signed a couple of youngsters now how hasn’t he, Bielsa?

“They’ve got Gelhardt and that looks like money well spent from Wigan. It could be interesting to see these young lads do, it could bode well for the future.

“With the recruitment it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out what they’re doing.

“They’re obviously looking to build the foundations in terms of the future. It’ll be interesting to see how these lads do. They’re at a great club.”

Gelhardt played 19 times, including 17 appearances from the bench, for Wigan last season, scoring once.

Allen became Linfield’s youngest debutant when he made his professional bow in April 2019 at the age of 15 years, 5 months and 5 days.

Right-back Drameh did not make an appearance for Fulham’s first team but has represented England u18s.

In other Leeds United news, a top pundit had tipped a Leeds player to reject a move to a Champions League side and will instead fight for his place.