Leeds United complete fourth summer signing as Joe Gelhardt reunited with former teammateLeeds United added their fourth summer signing of this transfer window with the acquisition of highly-rated teenage midfielder Sean McGurk
Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Sean McGurk, bringing their summer acquisitions tally to four.
The Whites have tailed the 18-year-old for an extended period, having reportedly been keen to secure his signature last summer.
That would have seen McGurk join Leeds at the same time as Joe Gelhardt, but a deal could not be struck.
As a result, the Whites have been patient, and McGurk has left Wigan Athletic on a free transfer this summer as his contract at the DW Stadium had expired.
However, the club have been forced to come to an agreement with Wigan over compensation for McGurk.
This is owing to McGurk's age, in conjunction with Premier League and EFL legislation which states clubs whose players under the age of 24 leave under the Bosman ruling are entitled to compensation for their role in developing said player.
If an agreement over a fee cannot be met, it will go to a tribunal, where it will be decided by an independent panel - however that has not been the case in this situation.
McGurk is the second U23 signing Leeds have sealed this summer, after the addition of former Birmingham City winger Amari Miller.
He will join up with the U23 squad for the 2021/22 campaign, with the intention of following a similar arc to ex-teammate Joe Gelhardt.
Gelhardt and McGurk were on the scoresheet together for Wigan Athletic's U18s in the 2019/20 edition of the FA Youth Cup, defeating Birmingham City 4-0 - a game in which Amari Miller also featured on the opposing side.
McGurk also scored three goals in five FA Youth Cup matches last season.
Wigan has been a fertile spot for producing young talent in recent seasons, benefiting from its proximity to major academies such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
McGurk was released by Liverpool at age 13, subsequently joining the Latics.
Now, he will feature for Leeds United's U23s at Premier League 2 Division 1 level - a step up from any competition he has featured in thus far.
While many of his peers went on to make their debuts at the DW Stadium, McGurk did not manage to do so.
Nevertheless, his Leeds United switch represents a recognition of his talent from the Whites' academy head Adam Underwood.
After a year-long pursuit, Leeds finally have their man.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-signing-gelhardt-mcgurk-20991902
