Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Lewis Bate on a three-year contract [Leeds United FC Official].
The Lowdown: Leeds United look to cover all bases ahead of the new season
As anticipation builds ahead of the new Premier League campaign, Marcelo Bielsa will be desperate to cover all bases in order to continue the steady levels of progression seen at Elland Road in recent years.
Acquiring ready made first-team figures will be key to prospective success. However, bringing in quality young stars can also be an intelligent method of recruitment with longer-term benefits.
Interestingly, the Whites have now tapped into the latter category with their latest move.
The Latest: Bate signs three-year deal
Keen to poach top talent, Leeds United have now successfully acquired Bate on an undisclosed fee from London giants Chelsea [Leeds United FC Official].
The Blues had been itching to tie him down to a new contract, however he decided to stall on putting pen to paper at Stamford Bridge, paving the way for interest in his services [Evening Standard].
Faced with the prospect of losing the anchor man for free upon the expiration of his contract in 12 months-time, the Blues had little choice but to let the youngster make the move north to Yorkshire.
The Verdict: Bate is an astute piece of business by the Elland Road hierarchy
Keeping a keen eye on the future, Bate possesses the qualities to make a real impact in Bielsa's style of rapid counter-attacks.
Prominent in the transition from defence to attack, his ability to drive with the ball at considerable pace has seen him become a shining light in the Chelsea youth academy in recent years.
In 2020/21, the London-born midfielder made 26 appearances combined for the Chelsea Under-23 and Chelsea Under-18 sides, scoring once [Transfermarkt].
His passing ability has been lauded through his time in the ranks at the Cobham Training Centre, in keeping with Bielsa’s high-octane style of football.
Poised to initially link up with the Whites Under-23 set up, Bate now has an ideal platform to harness his talents as he bids to make a first-team breakthrough in the future.
In other news, Leeds United have been linked with a Bundesliga ace.