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Leeds Utd transfer news: Darko Gyabi switch finalised as summer signing No 4 explains reasons for move

Darko Gyabi, Leeds signing -pic via LeedsUnited.com

Leeds United have finalised the signing of midfielder Darko Gyabi, with the teenage star becoming the club’s fourth new arrival of the summer.

On the day that Kalvin Phillips moved to the Etihad for a club-record £42m fee, Leeds have brought in a player themselves with great promise for the future. Indeed, once City’s interest in Phillips became apparent, Leeds were quick to ask City for Gyabi in return.

The teenage star has caught the eye for Man City’s Premier League 2 side, impressing in a win for the City Under-23s at Elland Road towards the back end of last season. He played 10 times for their U23s, scoring once and providing four assists. City’s U23s – like their senior side – were crowned Premier League 2 champions.

And while his transfer arrangement was concluded in a separate agreement to Phillips, the Whites are paying £5m for the 18-year-old.

Gyabi has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Elland Road. That keeps him on their books until summer 2026. Initially featuring for Leeds’ Under-23s, the midfielder is very quickly expected to progress into a first-team player.

Gyabi becomes their fourth new arrival this summer for Leeds. He follows Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca through the welcome doors.

Speaking to LUTV, Gyabi has explained his reasons for signing for Leeds United.

“I am really excited! Obviously I have seen that they’ve given the young players a lot of opportunities in the first team here,” he said.

Darko Gybai reveals his best assets

“I think it was nine debuts in the Premier League last season, so that’s really good! I know a bit about the club, it’s a great club.

“The fans are what has attracted me the most. I played here last season and the fans were crazy in an Under-23s game!

“So, I can’t imagine how that’s going to be in a full stadium.”

Asked what he can bring to the Leeds squad when given an opportunity, he is an attack-minded, forward-thinking midfielder.

“I like to get on the ball,” he explained.

“I like to drive with the ball and carry the ball. I’m creative and I like to score goals as well, I can keep possession and play forward.

“Off the ball I am very aggressive and I can press, I work hard as well. I want to push and help as much as I can with the team, get into the squad and show what I am about.”

The challenge for Gyabi now will be to kick on and prove himself worthy of a shirt.

A player tipped for the top, Darko Gyabi has been capped twice at England U18s level.

The London-born player though will be heartened at seeing the likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde all making an impact in the Leeds team last season.

Meanwhile, Phillips has penned Leeds fans an emotional farewell with Marcelo Bielsa getting a special mention.