Leeds set sights on Cai McGunnigle as invitation sent to forward

Leeds United have set their sights on signing Cai McGunnigle this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The West Yorkshire club have invited the 17-year-old forward on trial after he impressed playing for Hong Kong FC in the Hong Kong Premier League.

Leeds will have to compete with West Ham United and Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, who have also invited Scotland Under-17 international to a trial as they weigh up moves for the player.

McGunnigle scored three goals and provided one assist in just eight starts in the Hong Kong Premier League last season.

The forward also holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in the Hong Kong Premier League at just 16 years and one month old.

Leeds have added numerous players to their academy in recent months, and McGunnigle could soon become the latest.

Leeds have been keen to add numerous upcoming talents to their academy in recent months.

In February, the Peacocks announced the capture of Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, who joined from Manchester United and had a solid second-half of the season in the academy.

On top of this, The Talent Hunter on 8 June reported that Silva Mexes is also joining Leeds from the Red Devils, with the 16-year-old winger set to sign a scholarship at the club.

Therefore, it is clear that the West Yorkshire club have one eye on the future this transfer window as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

However, it remains to be seen if McGunnigle will follow these signings into Leeds’ academy.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Leeds United want to sign a new goalkeeper, midfielder and a top-class striker this summer.

Daniel Farke is believed to have laid out his expectations amid suggestions he could walk away from his position if he is not backed by the board this summer.

The manager is not content with just remaining in the division and wants to see the club kick on after surviving a relegation battle upon their return to the Premier League.

Farke wants players who can fit into a 3-5-2 system, which helped yield a string of important results in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.