17 year old Dundalk centre back, Vinnie Leonard has been eyed up by Premier League Clubs Crystal Palace and Brighton with Norwich City and Celtic also eyeing a move for the young defender according to Pete O’Rourke.
What makes Vinnie Leonard so special?
Vinnie Leonard is a brilliant young centre back with 34 appearances in the Irish second tier and five appearances for Ireland’s U18 set up In addition to experience, the young defender has also chipped in with a couple of assists and goals last season from a defensive position.
His composure and confidence has made a big impact on scouts considering his age.
With many big clubs tracking the Irishman, it is hard to see a world where he does look to make a move to East Anglia especially with their current position in the Championship under former Rangers manager, Phillipe Clement after replacing Liam Manning in November.
Norwich have had four managers (Including interim) since Johannes Thorup who we believe was the perfect man for a long term development, definitely being someone really pushing for Vinnie Leonard.
With the size and stature of these clubs it is undeniable that Celtic, Crystal Palace, and Brighton respectively are the frontrunners over Norwich City with Celtic in particular having major interest in the seventeen-year-old.
With the obvious major loss of starting centre back for Dundalk.
The clubs taking on Leonard are most likely not to use the young centre back in games, focusing on his progression in an academy system.
But with so many first team minutes under his belt this may stunt all progression going back to the youth set up.
Being so young at only seventeen many clubs may stay tracking his progression until they see fit.
For any club this could be an amazing transfer for both the youngster and for any club that brings him in, if Norwich do manage to land Leonard’s signature they will have a star on their hands.
