Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison, Leeds United
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Tue 12 August 2025 7:40, UK
Leeds United are widely regarded as having done a brilliant job of rebuilding for the Premier League.
Daniel Farke has signed experienced internationals such as Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol to give themselves a great chance of competing well in the top division.
Leeds have signed seven exciting new players already this summer, and the transfer window will remain open for the next three weeks.
This will inevitably mean that some fringe players will have to move on,
Several players have already been ousted either on a loan deal or permanently, and another promising young star has said his goodbye to everyone on Elland Road on social media today.
Diogo Monteiro Leeds United
Diogo Monteiro has left Leeds to sign for Portuguese side FC Arouca
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Diogo Monteiro says goodbye to Leeds in emotional social media post
Diogo Monteiro signed for Leeds as a promising youngster from Swiss side FC Servette.
The Portuguese centre-half was just 17 at the time of signing and quickly became a regular for Leeds’ under-21 side.
He never made an appearance for the senior team. In fact, Monteiro had been linked with transfers away from the club several times before this summer.
Nevertheless, he has now sealed a move to Portuguese side FC Arouca, where he’ll hopefully be able to continue his development.
Monteiro made an emotional post on Instagram saying goodbye to everyone at Leeds and thanking them for making him feel so welcome at the club.
Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison were among the first-team players to react to the post.
Monteiro departure is another example of the harsh reality of youth football
Monteiro turned his whole life around to sign for Leeds United.
The Portuguese defender admitted he dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and he did everything in his power to make it happen.
He moved to a new country as a teenager, did his best to adapt to a new culture and learn a new language.
Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to get one appearance in the senior team.
Years Club Appearances Goals
2020-2023 FC Servette 4 0
2023-2025 Leeds United 0 0
Sadly, that’s the reality of youth-team football. For every Archie Gray, there are dozens of Monteiros. Hundreds, at some clubs.
Of course, the youngster will still have a chance to build a career at FC Arouca, and he should be grateful for that. Millions of youngsters with a dream of earning a professional contract never even make it that far.
Based on what Leeds’ coaching staff have said about Monteiro, he still has a great chance of enjoying a successful career.
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