Leeds United have completed a notable academy acquisition on the final day of the January transfer window, agreeing a permanent deal to sign 17-year-old attacking midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from fierce rivals Manchester United.
The move, confirmed by multiple reliable sources including journalist Pete O’Rourke and outlets such as Football Insider, Manchester Evening News, and Leeds Live, represents a strategic piece of business for the Whites as they bolster their youth development setup. Ibrovic-Fletcher, born in Leeds on September 26, 2008, is set to join Leeds’ academy, where he is expected to integrate into the Under-18s or Under-21s squad to accelerate his progression.
Player Background and Manchester United Tenure
Ibrovic-Fletcher, who goes by the nickname “Eddie,” is a versatile attacking midfielder capable of operating as a central playmaker or even as a forward. He joined Manchester United from Sheffield United and signed his scholarship terms with the Red Devils in 2025. During his time at Old Trafford, he featured prominently for the Under-18s side, making seven appearances in the Under-18 Premier League this season, including two starts. However, his last outing came in November, and he has since fallen out of the regular matchday reckoning, including missing squads for FA Youth Cup ties.
Despite his promise, the depth in Manchester United’s youth midfield—featuring talents like the Fletcher brothers and Sekou Kone—likely contributed to limited opportunities, prompting the decision to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. Manchester United were reportedly open to his departure to allow for better development prospects.
International Pedigree and Leeds Connection
Ibrovic-Fletcher holds Serbian citizenship through his heritage and has represented Serbia at various youth levels, from Under-16 to Under-19. Notably, he made his debut for the Serbia Under-19 team at the age of 16 in September of the previous year, showcasing his early maturity on the international stage.
His birthplace in Leeds adds an intriguing layer to the transfer, framing it as a homecoming of sorts. Although he has chosen to represent Serbia internationally, the move back to his city of birth could provide emotional motivation alongside professional growth opportunities at Thorp Arch, Leeds United’s renowned academy facility.
Significance of the Transfer
This deal highlights the competitive nature of academy recruitment between Premier League rivals. Leeds, known for nurturing talents such as the Gray brothers in recent years, have a strong track record of developing young players who progress to senior levels under manager Daniel Farke. The club prioritizes measured integration of academy prospects rather than rushing them into first-team action, which aligns well with Ibrovic-Fletcher’s current stage of development.
For Manchester United, the departure is a minor but symbolic loss from their academy ranks, underscoring the challenges even top clubs face in retaining every promising talent amid intense competition for pathways.
As the January 2026 transfer window closes, this youth-level raid underscores Leeds United’s proactive approach to long-term squad building. Ibrovic-Fletcher will link up with his new club in due course, free from the standard first-team deadline constraints that apply to academy signings.
The transfer adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United, this time played out in the youth ranks rather than on the senior pitch. Fans on both sides will watch closely to see how the young Serbian international fares in his return to Yorkshire.