Leeds United chase 17-year-old non-league talent – How good an investment could this be?

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Audrick Kramer

Why Leeds United should make a move for Samuel Oguntayo

According to The Sun, Championship side Leeds United have been credited with an interest in non-league sensation Samuel Oguntayo.

Oguntayo, 17, who plays for Kingstonian FC in the seventh tier has attracted interest from several other top English teams like Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Watford, as per the report.

The teenager only made his league debut back in January but has already received rave reviews for his performances. And therefore, Leeds United should make a move for him in the summer.

Samuel Oguntayo (Image credit: Google)
Samuel Oguntayo (Image credit: Google)

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have put away their recent dip in form and have returned to the top of the Championship table after defeating Huddersfield Town 2-0. They are hoping for automatic qualification to the Premier League.

However, most of them in the squad are on loan and the manager should bring in reinforcements in the summer if they are to do well in the top-flight. They have been out of the top-tier for 14 years and to maintain their Premier League status, they need to invest in the club’s academy.

Therefore, signing young talents from the lower leagues would be a wise decision by the club and Samuel Oguntayo would be a viable option.

Predominantly a left-back, Oguntayo is capable of playing on the right side too. Leeds have three left-backs in Ezgjan Alioski, Barry Douglas and Leif Davis, among whom only Alioski has featured regularly for the side.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa on the touchline. (Getty Images)

Douglas is already 30 and the 17-year-old Oguntayo can be a replacement for him once he develops himself into a finished article. The Whites need to strengthen key areas and in Oguntayo, they would have a left-back in the long run.

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Verdict

Regardless of their league status, Leeds need to make permanent signings as they have been doing with loan players so far. Given Oguntayo’s current run of form, Bielsa should look to sign him in the summer and add him to the youth ranks, from where he can grow into a Premier League material.