Startling: Leeds United signs 20-year-old, fantastic midfield player

A fifth contract signature in quick succession has been announced by Leeds United with Joe Snowdon’s agreement to extend his deal by one year. There has been a slew of announcements about the club’s youth players across the past 24 hours at Elland Road.

The 20-year-old was among the players whose previous deals expired on June 30, but Snowdon was offered an extension by United. The academy graduate has come through the ranks at Thorp Arch and established himself as one of the regulars with the under-21s.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Leeds United would like to congratulate Joe on his new deal and we look forward to seeing his further development whilst with the club.”

Snowdon is the second of United’s out-of-contract players, after Harry Christy, to have their new contract announced. Offers were also made to Cody Drameh and Luca Thomas. Jamie Shackleton has since agreed terms with Sheffield United, while Leeds have said talks with Liam Cooper remain ongoing.

Scholars Reuben Lopata-White, Joe Richards and Marley Wilson have all had their first professional contracts announced. Connor Douglas and Daniel Toulson and were also made professional offers this summer.

Eleven players were confirmed to be released in the club’s retained list last month: Charlie Allen, Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate, Keenan Carole, Stuart Dallas, Cuba Diboe, Scott Godden, Ian Poveda, Morten Spencer, Harvey Sutcliffe and Dani van den Heuvel.