In today’s pre-FA Cup press conference (below), Leeds United manager Garry Monk spoke openly about the transfer situation regarding Alex Mowatt at Elland Road.
That situation has now been clarified and put out of the realm of uncertainty with the Whites announcing that the former Thorp Arch graduate has signed on at Oakwell on a two-and-a-half year deal.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @LUFC midfielder @alex_mowatt on a two-and-a-half year contract! https://t.co/sw25Pz0wQh #COYR pic.twitter.com/AVjHx6xKWd
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) January 27, 2017
Since breaking through into the first team set up, Mowatt had become the longest-serving, most appearance making player on the books at Elland Road. The 21-year-old had made 125 total appearances for the Whites, scoring 13 times and providing another 13 assists.
However, now his future lies away from Elland Road as a new chapter in his footballing career opens up. Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom said, to the Barnsley website, of the capture of Leeds midfielder Mowatt: “This is a big signing for us and I’m really pleased to bring Alex into the group. He’s a very talented footballer and has got over 100 appearances under his belt already, at the age of just 21 so he is an excellent addition to the Club.”
For his part, Mowatt said of the transfer taking him to play in his native South Yorkshire: “I’m really happy to be joining such a good Club and I can’t wait to get going here. The Gaffer showed me his plans for me and the plans he has for the future. It was good to see how he thinks and how he wants to play, he’s really sold his ambitions to me and made me desperate to come in and get going.”
With Leeds United losing another of the ‘Feted Four’, Mowatt following Sam Byram and Lewis Cook out of the club, Whites fans have been quick to take to Twitter to air their view on the matter.
Mowatt moves on – Leeds fans react on Twitter
A forthright opinion to start things off with.
https://twitter.com/SouthStand_LUFC/status/825025649408614400
Here’s another Leeds United fan who doesn’t necessarily see it as a bad move.
Unlike many #lufc fans I don't think we'll rue this day. I think Mowatt would struggle, as he has this year, at a higher level of football.
— #MarceloBielsaWillAlwaysBe#LUFC 🐦 🐦 #LUFC 🏆 👆 (@BremnersLaces) January 27, 2017
This Leeds United fan introduces that bit of doubt that today might not be a glowing one further down the line.
https://twitter.com/Duzzer_lufc/status/825025338996584448
A sense of sadness from Leeds fan Tom, but a hint at not hitting past glories as reason to not be too upset.
Real shame Mowatt hasn't hit the heights of 14/15. Absolute wand of a left foot, sad to see him go #lufc
— Tom Power (@power_6) January 27, 2017
This Leeds fan, Oli, speaks a little about the change that is happening at Elland Road of late.
Reaction to Mowatt leaving shows difference this season, last year there would have been uproar, a lot more people keeping faith now #lufc
— Oli Cusworth 💙💛 (@Oli_Cusworth) January 27, 2017
However, many Leeds fans like this Twitter account recognise the sterling service that Alex Mowatt has given the club, and congratulate him for that.
Best wishes @alex_mowatt. A little sad this evening but wish you all the best – except against #lufc obviously! Always #MoT
— 💛🤍💙LUSC Griffin🏆🏆🏆 (@LUSCgriffinLUFC) January 27, 2017
However, some fans seem to think that Mowatt’s leaving is symptomatic of a deeper canker at the club.
@alex_mowatt another gone!! we were lead to believe this pillaging was over-let's hope @andrearadri isn't a wolf in sheeps clothing #lufc ☹️
— mary mary quite contrary (@Mazzaleeds) January 27, 2017
That trait seems to be something that this Leeds fan latches on to.
So byram, cook now mowatt…Taylor next? Not liking this at all, gutted to lose him 😕 #lufc
— Stacey Wilkinson (@swilky25) January 27, 2017
Here’s a look at 10 reasons why Leeds United fans will miss Alex Mowatt.
https://twitter.com/WALMOT333/status/825022336831201281
