Winger Ronnie McGrath has agreed to join Leeds United on a permanent basis.
The USA side announced via their official X page (9 January) that McGrath has joined up with the South Carolina Men’s Soccer team
Having risen through Leeds’ youth ranks, the 18-year-old penned his first professional deal with the West Yorkshire club less than a year ago (Leeds Live, 18 February 2023), which was set to keep him at Elland Road for two and half years.
Throughout his time with the Whites, McGrath made 27 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, scoring nine times and assisting four goals, and made three further appearances in the FA Youth Cup.
Loss
Supporters of Leeds and perhaps Daniel Farke himself might find themselves feeling frustrated that the club have allowed McGrath to slip through their grasp.
It was not long ago that he signed his first professional deal with Leeds, and it might come as a surprise to many that he has already decided to move on in search of pastures anew.
McGrath was a regular for the club’s Under-18s over the past few years and has represented England at Under-15 and 16 level, as well as the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 level. He is clearly a talented prospect, but he has not played any football for the club this season.
As a result, McGrath was perhaps keen to move on from Thorp Arch in search of more regular first-team football to help continue his development as a player.
Clubs so often let young talent go too easily and live to regret their decision, and those at Leeds will be hoping that this isn’t the case with McGrath, who will now look to prove his boyhood side wrong with this fresh opportunity.
