Young Leeds United defender goes on loan after Guilavogui signing while more deals set to be agreed — YEP 24/10/24
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds United Under-21s defender Joe Richards has joined
National League North club South Shields.
A statement issued by Leeds on Thursday afternoon read:
"Leeds United academy full-back Joe Richards has today joined National
League North side South Shields, on a short-term loan.
"The versatile player, who can be used on either flank
both in defence and attack, has made five appearances in Premier League 2 for
Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side so far this term.
"Last time out, Richards was on the scoresheet as the
Whites recorded an impressive 3-1 victory over Stockport County Under-21s in
the Premier League Cup."
The 19-year-old is not the only Leeds youngster heading out
for a first taste of senior football in non-league with Reuben Lopata-White
expected to follow.
Twenty-year-old forward Luca Thomas has already joined York
City on a short-term loan of his own, scoring on his debut against Ebbsfleet
United last weekend.
This week, Leeds also announced the signing of former French
international midfielder Josuha Guilavogui on a short-term deal until the end
of the season, amidst an uncharacteristic flurry of transfer activity midway
through October.