REPORT: Leeds United Close to Agreeing Deal for Crystal Palace Youngster Jadan Raymond

Leeds United Close to Agreeing Deal for Jadan Raymond

Highly-Rated

The 16-year-old is highly-rated by his current club, and are reportedly keen to see him stay.

However, Raymond, who is capped at his retrospective age group for England, rejected the terms offered to him.

A three-year contract was offered by Palace, however, they could not give him the pathway to first-team football that he wanted.

Multiple Clubs Are Interested

Leeds are not the only club holding talks with Raymond.

Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes are also in advanced talks with the Palace youngster. According to the report, he is not concerned about moving abroad, despite his young age. While former Crystal Palace Mandela Egbo has not fared as well following his move to Germany, the recent success of Jadon Sancho has inspired young English players to move to the continent.

Raymond has attracted previous interest from Europe. The Daily Mail reported last September that both Valencia and Benfica were chasing the youngster’s signature.

However, it is now Vitoria Guimaraes, alongside Leeds, in pole position to sign the 16-year-old. Both clubs have demonstrated a direction for him, with both viewing him as a first-team player in two years.

Part of the reason why Raymond is keen to move on is him wanting a clear path to first-team football. There has been few players come from the academy and into the first-team set-up at Selhurst Park in recent season, meaning he was cautious about his future in south London.

Leeds, meanwhile, have an impressive history of bringing their academy talents into the first-team. While he may begin in their U23’s – should he join – Raymond may feel that he has a better chance at Elland Road of first-team football.