Leeds United recruit Dani van Den Heuvel excited by new chapter at Elland Road

Netherlands youth international van Den Heuvel had been with Ajax and their prestigious Academy since 2017 after making the move from ADO Den Haag.

The Dutch teen had not yet made his first team debut but van den Heuvel has been capped by Netherlands at youth level for the under-15s, 16s and 17s.

Ajax wanted van Den Heuvel to stay and offered the 'keeper fresh terms but the 17-year-old has become United's latest young recruit by signing a deal that runs until the summer of 2023.

The new goalkeeper will initially link up with United's under-23s.

"A new chapter starts in my football journey. At a massive club. Leeds United," said van Den Heuvel, writing on his Instagram page.

"I’m excited to play for such a wonderful club with an impressive history and great ambitions.

"And I’m grateful for the confidence the staff have in me and to be able to keep challenging myself at this club.

"This is the beginning of a new adventure and I can’t thank my family enough for supporting me all those years.

"Side before self, every time."

The goalkeeper becomes the fourth young player to join Leeds this summer following the arrivals of Charlie Allen, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt.

van Den Heuvel is represented by Forza Sports Group and one of their representatives Daan Kramp said the emergence of 20-year-old French 'keeper Illan Meslier at Leeds proved a key factor in joining as clear evidence of United's faith in youth.

"At Leeds, Dani has more prospects than at Ajax," said Kramp, speaking to Voetbal International.

"The club’s first team goalkeeper is 20 years old.

"That indicates that they have an eye for young goalkeepers. The club really wants to invest in him and has a clear plan in mind.

"It’s a nice step for him."

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Thank you Laura Collins