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Leeds United have reached an agreement to sign Silva Mexes from Manchester United, with the 16-year-old accepting a two-year scholarship contract at Elland Road.

The left winger is set to leave the Red Devils just two years after joining from Ipswich Town, bringing his time in United’s academy to an earlier-than-expected conclusion.

Leeds’ pursuit gathered pace through 2026

Leeds’ interest in Mexes had been building for a number of months before the deal was finalised.

By June, expectations had increased that Mexes would make the move across the Pennines and join one of United’s long-standing rivals. The latest development suggests the terms of the transfer have now been agreed.

Two-year deal at Elland Road

According to TEAMtalk’s James Marshment, Mexes has chosen to leave Old Trafford and sign a two-year scholarship agreement with Leeds.

The move is an uncommon direct switch between the two clubs. Rather than following the route of senior players transferring between established first-team squads, Mexes is taking a different developmental step, with Leeds backing his long-term potential.

No transfer fee or compensation amount has been mentioned in the report. For now, the immediate attention will be on how quickly the winger adapts to his new academy surroundings.

Silva Mexes offers pace and international background

Mexes mainly plays on the left wing and has posted a personal best of 11.1 seconds in the 100 metres. That speed is the most striking part of his athletic profile and makes him a difficult player to handle in wide areas.

He is the son of former Wales international Robert Earnshaw, but has opted to represent Thailand through his mother’s heritage. The attacker has already featured for Thailand at Under-17 level.

At Leeds, he will be expected to develop aspects of his game beyond direct attacking play. Tactical versatility, defensive contribution and the ability to track runners will all be important if he is to keep progressing through the age groups.

Mexes is still some way off senior football, but his pace, international experience and move to a rival academy make him a player worth monitoring closely from a Manchester United point of view.