Well, Victor Orta doesn’t mess around, now does he?
Contract with Jay-Roy Grot is agreed and finalised. A few formalities to finish off. Announcement expected tomorrow. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) August 23, 2017
Rumors first came out on Monday 21 August about the possible link between Leeds United and NEC Nijmegen forward Jay-Roy Grot, and only a couple days later, the rumored interest has apparently turned into a transfer for the young Dutch footballer.
Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post is reporting that a transfer fee and contract terms have both been agreed with NEC and the player, and he is set to be revealed tomorrow. As we said before, the young player scored seven goals in 28 appearances for NEC last season. NEC had a rough season, and was unable to remain in the Eredivisie, falling in the relegation playoffs.
Grot is still only a teenager, and so it remains to be seen what kind of impact he will have in the Championship or even if this move was done with the future in mind or if this move was done with right now in mind. Since the club are apparently still seeking other first-team striker targets, Grot might be headed for the Academy where he will join a number of new signings.
Nine changes for Leeds - debut for Eoghan Stokes up front. Madger Gomes also starts. Wilks and O'Connor on the bench. No Doukara. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) August 22, 2017
It looks, however, that he might have an opportunity to try and make the first team, as Thomas Christiansen has not been afraid to trust his youth players. Four players who largely have been expected to spend the season in the U23 side, Paudie O’Connor, Madger Gomes, Mallik Wilks, and Eoghan Stokes, were all selected to be in the matchday 18 against Newport County last night, with Stokes getting his first team debut and Madger Gomes making another League Cup appearance after impressing in preseason.
The club is being smart and not only looking for talented players to come in, but young players who have the potential to become superstars. And they are not merely looking at the same expensive re-treads from the Championship, they are looking abroad to try and find the right players and the right price to bring in, a strategy that has worked out so far with the signings of both Gianni Alioski and Samu Saiz. Stay tuned, as this will likely not be the final move for Leeds during the summer transfer window, as the club looks to replace the departed Chris Wood.