Key Points
- Leeds United have agreed a permanent deal to sign 17-year-old attacking midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from Manchester United on the final day of the winter transfer window.
- Ibrovic-Fletcher, born in Leeds, previously played for Sheffield United’s youth academy before signing scholarship terms with Manchester United in 2025.
- The player has represented Serbia at Under-19 level, with his father born in the country, and can play as a creative No.10 or striker.
- He featured in seven games for Man Utd’s Under-18s this season under Darren Fletcher, starting two, but has not played since November amid transfer speculation.
- Manchester United were open to letting Ibrovic-Fletcher leave to accelerate his development, and he will sign his first professional deal with Leeds’ academy at Elland Road.
- Leeds United sit six points above the Premier League relegation zone after a 4-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, ending a mini-unbeaten run, with goals from four different Gunners scorers including Viktor Gyokeres.
- Daniel Farke’s side recently signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton to bolster their attack in the fight for Premier League survival.
- The move is seen as a coup for Leeds, potentially saving millions long-term, amid a quiet winter window for rivals Manchester United under Michael Carrick.
- Football Insider first reported Leeds’ interest on 15 January 2026, followed by confirmation of a deal on 1 February 2026.
- Pete O’Rourke of various outlets confirmed the deadline-day deal, noting Ibrovic-Fletcher’s desire to accelerate his development.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 3, 2026 – Leeds United have finalised a permanent transfer for highly-rated Manchester United youth star Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, marking a rare raid on their arch-rivals as Daniel Farke’s Whites battle Premier League relegation.
Who is Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher?
Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder, has emerged as one of Manchester United’s promising academy talents. As reported by sources at Football Insider, the youngster signed scholarship terms with the Red Devils last year after stints with Sheffield United’s youth setup.
Born in Leeds, Ibrovic-Fletcher brings local roots to Elland Road, where he is set to return and pen his first professional contract. According to the Manchester Evening News (MEN), as cited by Teamtalk’s Samuel Bannister, he had been a regular in Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s side this season, making seven appearances and starting two.
The Serbia Under-19 international – eligible through his father born in the country – possesses versatility, capable of operating as a creative No.10 or striker. Football Insider’s exclusive on 1 February 2026 stated:
“Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign starlet Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from arch-rivals Manchester United in a permanent deal.”
His lack of game time since November, amid speculation, paved the way for the switch, with Man Utd open to his departure.
What Sparked Leeds United’s Interest?
Leeds registered interest in Ibrovic-Fletcher as early as mid-January, per Football Insider’s exclusive by their sources on 15 January 2026:
“Leeds United have registered their interest in Man United rising star Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher… The Old Trafford outfit are open to letting the 17-year-old attacking midfielder leave this month.”
This move aligns with Leeds’ strategy to rejuvenate their youth pipeline, which has stalled after producing stars like Archie Gray and Kalvin Phillips. Sports Mole’s Barney Corkhill noted in their 2 February report:
“Notable youngsters on the Leeds scene in recent years include Archie Gray and Kalvin Phillips, although the production line has dried up in recent times.”
The Whites, back in the Premier League, view the signing as a long-term coup, potentially saving millions, as per Teamtalk. It follows their loan capture of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, the youngest in Farke’s squad for the recent Arsenal clash at 21 years old.
Why Did Manchester United Let Him Go?
Manchester United showed willingness to release Ibrovic-Fletcher, prioritising his development elsewhere. Givemesport reported on 2 February 2026:
“Leeds United have secured a permanent deal for Manchester United attacking midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher on the final day of the transfer.”
Teamtalk detailed his recent omission from Under-18s matches, possibly linked to transfer talk under Darren Fletcher’s guidance. Yahoo Sports echoed:
“Manchester United was also amenable to the prospect of allowing the forward to depart.”
The Red Devils confirmed four other youth exits on deadline day: Jacob Devaney to St Mirren, Gabriele Biancheri to Rotherham, James Scanlon to Swindon, and Ethan Wheatley recalled from Northampton before loaning to Bradford City. United’s statement read:
“After showing his potential at League One level already with Northampton, the agreement with Bradford offers fresh challenges to the England Under-20 international.”
How Does This Fit Leeds’ Season So Far?
Leeds sit six points clear of relegation after Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing at Elland Road on Saturday. Sports Mole’s Barney Corkhill reported:
“Daniel Farke’s side were no match for the aerial prowess of title-chasing Arsenal, who won 4-0… There were four different goalscorers for the Gunners, with Viktor Gyokeres bagging a much-needed goal in the second half.”
This ended a mini-unbeaten run, highlighting defensive frailties. Buonanotte’s arrival aims to add guile, but Ibrovic-Fletcher bolsters the academy for future first-team pathways.
Pete O’Rourke, quoted by The Leeds Press on 1 February, confirmed:
“Leeds United are set to sign Manchester United youngster Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher… Ibrovic-Fletcher was keen on moving to accelerate his development.”
What Impact Could Ibrovic-Fletcher Have Long-Term?
Viewed as a “future Farke star” by Sports Mole, Ibrovic-Fletcher’s poaching from rivals underscores Leeds’ ambition amid survival fight. Football Fancast labelled it a raid on a “highly-rated” talent.
Vitalfootball noted Leeds’ formal intent:
“Leeds United have formally signalled their intent to sign Manchester United’s promising teenage midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher.”
In a quiet window – Man Utd added none to Michael Carrick’s first team – this deal stands out. Leeds fans see it as savvy business, blending immediate loans like Buonanotte with youth investment.
Broader Transfer Window Context
The winter window closed quietly for both clubs. Leeds dodged unconfirmed links to an Armenia sensation, per Teamtalk. Man Utd’s youth exodus signals squad refresh.
Football Insider tracked the saga from interest to agreement, ensuring no details missed. As Leeds push for safety, Ibrovic-Fletcher’s homecoming could symbolise resurgence.
This transfer, rare between historic foes, captivates Yorkshire football circles, with all eyes on the youngster’s integration at Thorp Arch.
