Leeds United striker Jack Clarke has signed his first professional deal
Clarke, who has scored nine goals in seven starts for Leeds’ Under-18s this season, signed the three-and-a-half-year deal on his 17th birthday yesterday.
The striker’s hot form at youth level reportedly attracted interest a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester City.
But he believes it would have been a mistake to walk away from Leeds.
“It feels good because it’s just what I’ve been working towards for a while, and it’s a bit of a relief to get it so early,” Clarke said after penning the deal.
“It means I can push on now, and not have to focus on it for the next couple of years.”
I wouldn’t want to leave when I’ve got everything I want right here
Leeds United striker Jack Clarke
He added: “I’ve been here for so long, and I feel like I’ve got a good support behind me at the academy.
“I wouldn’t want to leave when I’ve got everything I want right here.”
Yorkshire-born Clarke has trained with Thomas Christiansen’s first team this season and Leeds chiefs have high hopes for his future.
“We are pleased with Jack's progress to date and we have rewarded him with a longer term contract,” director of football Victor Orta said.
“He will remain a part of the U18 and U23 set up in the immediate future and we will continue to monitor his progress closely.
Jack Clarke finds top corner for Leeds United u23s
“Our academy is famous for producing some of the best talent in the country and we are confident Jack is just one of many young, local players who can be a part of the future of our club.”
Meanwhile, Championship expert Don Goodman has warned Christiansen his side need to start winning ugly.
Speaking on EFL Matters, Goodman said: “If you’re going to get promoted or be at the top end of the Championship you have to learn to win games of football when you’re not quite playing as well as you can.
“I’m not sure Leeds have done that so far this season.
“They concede the first goal, they’ve lost every game. That needs to change.”
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