Leeds United were one of several top flight clubs who had a scout stationed in Belgium over the weekend for the KDB Cup, a youth tournament organised and named after Kevin De Bruyne.
Leeds’ transfer policy this summer is likely to be focused largely on strengthening the first team ahead of 25/26’s survival bid, but there is always a keen focus on bolstering the academy alongside too.
Daniel Farke hasn’t been shy in blooding youngsters into his squads during his career, and Leeds’ historically strong academy setup is always worth focus.
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Leeds United send scout to watch U15 high-profile tournament in Belgium
The Daily Mail have given further insight into the development of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as he closes in on his £30million move to Chelsea.
A landmark in the striker’s progress as a youth player was his involvement in the KDB Cup in Belgium, a tournament founded by Manchester City legend Kevin Be Bruyne in 2015, hosted by KVE Drongen, a local club from De Bruyne’s formative years.
This year’s iteration of the competition took place on Saturday and Sunday, in which Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Barcelona were all involved as part of a 12-team tournament.
What the Mail note is that Leeds were represented in the list of scouts in attendance, eager to keep an eye out for potential breakout stars for the future.
In the past, the tournament has seen talent such as Jamal Musiala, Jeremy Doku, Rico Lewis, Eric Garcia, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Levi Colwill all take part.
Leeds United eyeing next generation of young talent after promotion
When in the Championship, it was quite clear Leeds didn’t have the power to convince players to join the academy as much as they do now in the top flight.
It was potentially a reason why we saw Finlay Gorman leave for Manchester City, a far more lucrative academy setup, arguably one of the best in football that Leeds cannot compete with.
However, the club’s infrastructure has improved greatly in the last two seasons and that could bring rewards in the near future with a stronger academy.