Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Silva Mexes from Manchester United, with the 16-year-old accepting a two-year scholarship contract at Elland Road.
The left-winger will leave the Red Devils two years after arriving from Ipswich Town, bringing his spell in United’s academy to an early end.
Leeds pursuit developed across 2026
Leeds’ interest in Mexes had been developing for several months before an agreement was reached.
The Peoples Person relayed in February that the Yorkshire club had launched a move for the highly regarded United youngster.
By June, the expectation had grown that Mexes would cross the Pennines and join one of United’s traditional rivals. The latest update indicates that the terms of his move have now been settled.
Two-year Elland Road agreement
TEAMtalk’s James Marshment reports that Mexes has opted to leave Old Trafford and sign a two-year scholarship deal with Leeds.
The switch represents a rare direct move between the two clubs. Mexes follows a different development path from senior players moving between established first-team squads, with Leeds investing in his longer-term potential.
No transfer fee or compensation figure is included in the report. The immediate focus will instead be on how quickly the winger settles into a new academy environment.
Silva Mexes brings pace plus international pedigree
Mexes is primarily a left-winger and has recorded a personal best of 11.1 seconds over 100 metres. That pace is the standout element of his athletic profile and can make him a difficult opponent in wide areas.
He is the son of former Wales international Robert Earnshaw but has chosen to represent Thailand through his mother’s heritage. The attacker has already played for Thailand at Under-17 level.
At Leeds, he will be expected to develop more than his direct attacking qualities. Tactical flexibility, defensive work and the ability to track runners will all be important if he is to continue climbing through the age groups.
Mexes remains some distance from senior football, but his pace, international exposure and move to a rival academy make his progress worth following closely from a United perspective.
Final Thoughts
- Mexes has agreed a two-year Leeds scholarship.
- The winger leaves United after two years.
- He has represented Thailand at Under-17 level.
- He’s the son of Robert Earnshaw.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
