Leeds United have already looked to strengthen our academy with two arrivals from bitter rivals Manchester United, and another could soon follow.
United’s consolidation in the Premier League this season could be a huge step forward for the 49ers building something special in West Yorkshire.
First team operations are of course the primary focus. However, strengthening the academy once again is a key facet for Leeds getting back to where we previously were.
Leeds United plotting third Manchester United academy transfer with 15-year-old winger Silva Mexes
Leeds have already snatched two talents from Manchester United’s academy this month. First, attacking midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher returned to the city of his birth to join Leeds’ youth setup.
Then, full-back Alfie Walker has reportedly agreed to bid farewell to Old Trafford in order to join the Whites at the end of this season.
Now, The Talent Hunter again report that Leeds are monitoring the situation of 15-year-old winger Silva Mexes. A Thailand youth international, his full name is Silva Mexes Tyler-Earnshaw, son of former Wales icon Robert Earnshaw.
Following his imminent departure from Manchester United, 15 year-old winger Silva Mexes is attracting strong interest from Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich Town.🤯🔍
Mexes has been playing for Man United’s U16s this season and even made his U18s debut in early… pic.twitter.com/DWnioHMckk
— The Talent Hunter 🎯 (@thetalenthunt3r) February 23, 2026
As the report reads, Leeds are the front-runners for Mexes’ signature, should he leave the club as expected this summer.
Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town are also named. The Tractors Boys were Mexes’ former club before he decided to move to Trafford.
Leeds United also set to sign Liverpool’s 16-year-old Liam Balmer this summer
The recruitment doesn’t stop with Mexes this summer, though.
The same outlet also reported last week that Leeds have agreed to bring 16-year-old Liverpool talent to Thorp Arch at the end of this season.
England U17 defender Liam Balmer will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and join Leeds United.👀✅
Balmer has been at Liverpool for the past 9 years and has featured for the U16s this season.🔴
Late last year, Balmer made his England U17 debut against Venezuela.🏴
Yet… pic.twitter.com/n004goZWoe
— The Talent Hunter 🎯 (@thetalenthunt3r) February 20, 2026
Balmer is another youth international, representing England recently at U17 level as a left-back alongside former Leeds youngster Oliver Boast, who left for Spurs.
Leeds United rebuilding strong academy with Manchester United poaching job
Ibrovic-Fletcher and Walker is a good start and a sign of things to come from Leeds. It looks like we’re just focused on Man United’s academy right now, but I’d anticipate our scouting covers several other elite academies too.
Adding Mexes to the youth setup would be another statement from the club to continue growing that part of Thorp Arch.
If we want to cement ourselves as one of the strongest clubs in the country again, having an elite academy to boast is surely a priority.
The fact these updates keep coming through is definitely encouraging.
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