Leeds Sign 16‑Year‑Old Winger Silva Mexes From Manchester United

Overview

• The move was confirmed in early September when Mexes agreed a two‑year scholarship that will see him join Leeds United’s under‑18s at Thorp Arch.
• Mexes is a left‑winger who has played for Thailand’s under‑17s, is the son of former Wales forward Robert Earnshaw, and is noted for his pace with a reported 100m best of 11.1 seconds.
• He joined Manchester United from Ipswich Town in 2024 and leaves Old Trafford two years later after a summer recruitment push by Leeds.
• Local reports say scholarship talks at Manchester United broke down over his first‑team pathway and that Leeds offered a clearer route, though those specific claims have limited independent corroboration.
• Leeds view the signing as a long‑term academy investment rather than a first‑team fix and the club will monitor his tactical and physical development as he moves through the youth ranks.