COOK AGREES NEW UNITED CONTRACT

COOK AGREES NEW UNITED CONTRACT

Young Player of the Year commits his future at Elland Road...

We are delighted to announce that Young Player of the Year Lewis Cook has committed his future to the club by agreeing a new two-year contract at Elland Road.

The 18-year-old Academy graduate, who did have a year remaining on his deal, has extended his stay at the club until at least summer 2017.

Cook, in his breakthrough season, was one of the shining lights of the 2014/15 campaign, featuring 38 times in all competitions after making his debut on the opening day.

The homegrown midfielder has enjoyed somewhat of a whirlwind past 12 months, starting with last summer’s European Championships glory with England Under-17s .

He made a big impression in pre-season upon his return to Leeds and soon established himself as a key part of the side at the age of just 17.

Cook has since gone on to represent England at Under-19s level and was acknowledged at the recent Football League Awards, claiming the LFE Apprentice of the Year award, before being named as United’s Young Player of the Year .

And to cap off his unforgettable season, Cook has now signed fresh terms at the club where he first caught the eye aged just six years old.

Chairman Massimo Cellino said: “Lewis Cook deserves his new contract, he was one of the most exciting players last season.

“I knew we had a wonderful talent when I first saw him in the summer. At first, I thought he was much older than he was. He plays like he has lots of experience.

“My hope is for him to stay at Leeds for a long time and continue growing with Mowatt, Byram, Taylor and the others. We don’t want to sell.

“My plan for this club is to grow, not to sell our best young players.

“I have a lot of trust in the young players here. It is a special place for them and it has been for many years.

“Young players at other clubs say they love their club but they don’t really mean it. Here at Leeds, I can tell they mean it. The club is really in their hearts.

“That is what makes it different here and it can be something special.

“Signing Lewis Cook is a good way to start the summer. We must be truly ready for the new season."

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