Young striker Lewis Pirie has left the club to join EFL Championship side Leeds United.

The 16-year-old Scottish youth international was due to turn full-time this summer, but rather than continue his development in the northeast, he has chosen to move to Elland Road.

“We are obviously disappointed to be losing Lewis as he is one we had high hopes for, but at the same time we wish him all the best for future”, said Dons Chief Executive Alan Burrows.

“We did everything we possibly could to convince Lewis and his family to stay with Aberdeen, but he has decided to go to Leeds.

“Steven Gunn has managed to negotiate a deal that gives some comfort in the short term, but also has significant upside should Lewis develop into the player we hope he can be.”

Everyone at Aberdeen would like to thank Lewis for his effort whilst progressing through our Academy and wish him well for the next stages in his career.

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images: Derek Ironside (Newsline Scotland) SNS Group (Craig Foy) and Stephen Dobson