Mason Cotcher – CaughtOffside

Aston Villa agree deal to sign exciting English striker

Charlie Patrick — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 20:37:08 +0000

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign England under-17 international Mason Cotcher from Sunderland according to Fabrizio Romano.

It’s been a busy summer at Villa Park with a number of new signings coming through the door as the club look to strengthen their squad ahead of Champions League football next season.

The likes of Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkey and Jaden Philogene have all come in whilst club record signing Moussa Diaby has departed for Saudi side Al-Ittihad.

Aston Villa close in on Mason Cotcher signing

It’s not all about the first team at Villa and they are also looking to strengthen their academy and make signings for the future.

Romano has reported that they have agreed a deal with Sunderland for 17-year-old striker Cotcher who will sign a contract at Villa Park until 2027.

He took to X.com and said:

“Understand Aston Villa have now agreed on deal to sign England U17 striker Mason Cotcher from Sunderland. Contract until June 2027 to be signed today at #AVFC.”

?? Understand Aston Villa have now agreed on deal to sign England U17 striker Mason Cotcher from Sunderland.

Contract until June 2027 to be signed today at #AVFC. pic.twitter.com/6yl7OLxYmP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024

Sunderland will be compensated when Cotcher signs his first professional contract because of their role in his development.

Cotcher, who has two caps for England’s under-17s made six appearances in the under-18 Premier League last season, scoring three goals, whilst he also made one appearance in the Premier League 2.

In total the 17-year-old has made 27 appearances for Sunderland under-18s, scoring nine goals, and he’s also featured in the youth teams at Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds.

Leeds make official offer to sign playmaker from rival club

Jake Staniland — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:48:34 +0000

Leeds United have reportedly made an official offer for Sunderland’s 17-year-old sensation Mason Cotcher.

The 17-year-old forward has recently been on trial with the Yorkshire club over the last few weeks and having impressed, The Telegraph report Leeds United want to permanently sign him.

Having progressed through Sunderland’s academy, Mason Cotcher has featured for the club at different youth levels recently and is regarded as one of the brightest youngsters outside of the Premier League.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: General view outside the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road on December 02, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Leeds United chasing 17-year-old Sunderland prospect Mason Cotcher

Last season, he played for Sunderland’s U18’s side in the Premier League 2, netting nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. Furthermore, he earned a spot in Mowbray’s squad for their FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town in the previous campaign.

Leeds might view Cotcher as a prospect for the future at Elland Road. If they manage to secure him from Sunderland permanently, he would likely join their development squad initially. According to the Sunderland Echo, although offered a deal by the Black Cats last summer, Cotcher has yet to sign it.

Leeds United are firmly pushing for automatic promotion to the Premier League having been in the top four for almost the entirety of the campaign. The Whites are in second place trailing league leaders Ipswich Town by a single point. Leicester City are closely in pursuit of the pair on 85 points.

Meanwhile, their U21’s youth team sit at the foot of the Premier League 2 Division 1 table on 11 points, which could be where Mason Crotcher ends up if Leeds sign him over the next few weeks.

The post Leeds make official offer to sign playmaker from rival club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United forward has today joined Leeds United

Darren Looney — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:23:02 +0000

Leeds United have taken teenage forwards Mason Cotcher and Majid Balogun on trial as the Championship outfit looks to strengthen their academy.

That is according to LUFC Youth, who states that the two players are currently free agents and that Leeds are willing to give them a chance through a trial.

Cotcher left Sunderland last summer and was training with Arsenal earlier this season amid interest from Rangers, while Balogun joined Man United as an under-14s player two years ago.

Producing talent is as important as ever for English clubs due to recent run-ins with Financial Fair Play regulations as it helps add players to the senior squad and then sell them for 100% profit.

Leeds have been actively looking to add highly-rated youngsters to their academy set-up in recent years and this shows that this is continuing.

Daniel Farke is a coach who is willing to give young players a chance if they are good enough, with Archie Gray being the example to follow.

England youngster could be seduced by Mikel Arteta’s courting at Arsenal

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:21:21 +0000

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta certainly has a way about him which seduces professional football players.

A great career as a player, the Spaniard is now carving out a successful path as a manager, and it only appears to be a matter of time before another Premier League crown is heading back to the Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice spoke in glowing terms about his new manager’s approach just after joining Arsenal for a club record fee.

“It’s crazy. I’m already seeing football in a completely different way,” he said to Sky Sports (h/t Goal).

“You think you know football growing up and when you play, but when you meet managers like Mikel, you realise you don’t really know anything.

“Of course, the way I played at West Ham is completely different to the way Mikel plays, so it’s gonna take some time to adapt. I’m really eager to learn, to improve, to ask questions.”

When players of that ilk are in awe, then it’s blindingly obvious why a 17-year-old prospect might find himself making the same judgment.

According to The Telegraph (subscription required), ex-Sunderland star, Mason Cotcher, has been training with the Arsenal first-team under Arteta’s watchful eye.

The outlet also credit Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers, with an interest, and report that compensation for his services would be much lower if he decided to ply his trade north of the border.

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Whilst it isn’t clear at this stage which way Cotcher and his family will lean in terms of a decision, Arteta has almost certainly played another blinder in terms of making a young man feel welcome and wanted.

When all is said and done, that’s as important as being part of a successful set-up that regularly wins trophies.

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