According to LeedsLive and announced on the Twitter account of LeedsUnitedFans, Leeds United have joined teams such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in the list of admirers for Aston Villa and England youngster Carney Chukwuemeka.
He has just entered the final year of his contract at Villa Park and reports that he has refused a new contract with the Midlands club, has put potential suitors on alert. Chukwuemeka was left out of Villa’s squad for their pre-season tour of Australia, ironically having beaten Leeds 1-0 in a friendly on Sunday thanks to a Danny Ings penalty.
The central midfielder is valued at £5.4m according to Transfermarkt and could be a great addition to Jesse Marsch’s youthful looking midfield. He is very versatile and is capable of playing as a number eight, as a more advanced midfielder, or even as a striker.
Carney Chukwuemeka profiled as Leeds United linked with Aston Villa and England youngster #LeedsUnited #LeedsUtd #LUFC https://t.co/2EYS99dkL0
— Leeds United Fans (@LeedsNewsOnly) July 20, 2022
Chukwuemeka is thought of highly at Aston Villa and was named academy 2020/21 player of the season, he was also part of the under-18s side that beat Liverpool to clinch the FA Youth Cup in 2021. He was an integral part of the England team that won the U19’s European Championship, scoring in the final against Israel. He ended the tournament with three goals and 2 assists. He has made 16 senior appearances for Villa, earning his Premier League debut in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard said “We want him to sign (a new contract) and to extend and reward him for what we’ve seen so far, we’ve got big aspirations and a big road map for Carney.”
Former Villa legend and pundit Paul Merson has said “I watched this kid make his debut and I thought he played really well, he’s a nice player, an elegant player, he’s tall, he moves well and gets up and down. He’s a player you want to get on the ball.”
On his assist against Norwich in the Premier League, Merson said “He gets his head up, and it’s great from him to knock it across to where he should. A lot of youngsters probably panic and shoot near post in that situation and the goalkeeper parries it.”
It’s clear to see the youngster has a bright future ahead of him, and where that will be is still undecided. Leeds will be hoping they can lure him to Elland Road like they did with West Ham forward Sonny Perkins earlier in the week.
Would Leeds fans be happy with another young prospect joining the club or would they rather Leeds spent their time securing proven, experienced players? Let us know in the comments.
Up Next: Newcastle submit bid for winger.
Leeds United should always be looking out for talented young players and signing them. At the same time Leeds need now to buy a striker who can play alongside Bamford and challenge him for his place in the team as well. The team need another left back and an experienced goalkeeper before the season begins. This season will be a difficult one as we have so many new players to bed in to the Premier League. Survival or a mid table position would be good enough! As a fan I do not want us to have to endure what we experienced last season. MOT
Good prospect but another one for the future, I believe it is a mistake signing too many youngsters experienced PL players are essential.