Walsall have confirmed the signing of Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew, who arrives at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on a season-long loan.Recently featuring in Leeds’ pre-season tour in America, the Cardiff-born midfielder is an energetic and versatile player, who has already featured for the Wales senior national team on two occasions.
Beginning his career at his hometown club, Charlie joined age seven and rose through the ranks before making the switch to Leeds United for an undisclosed fee in 2022.
Initially forming part of Leeds’ U18s team, Charlie was promoted to the U21s in January 2023, he went on to secure twenty-five appearances in all competitions, as well as making the bench for a number of games in the Championship.
Signing a new long-term contract in the summer of 2024, he would go on to make his first-team debut, coming on as a substitute during a 3-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road.
Seeking more match minutes, Crew joined Doncaster Rovers in January last year and the midfielder made thirteen appearances for Grant McCann’s side as they secured promotion to Sky Bet League One as champions.
His promising performances saw Rovers sign him for a second time, as he would go on to make a further seventeen appearances in all competitions before returning to his parent club in January.
Walsall boss Lee Grant admitted he is pleased to welcome the midfielder to the club, and looks forward to seeing him develop during his time in WS1.
Speaking via the club's official website, Grant said: "'m really pleased to add Charlie to the squad.
"We’ve put a lot of work in to understanding Charlie both as a player and as a character and we are certain he will boost us on both fronts.
"He’s shown a real maturity in our conversations and there is a clear desire to develop and take a step forward this season.
"He has experience of a promotion in Sky Bet League Two as well as playing in the league above in his most recent loan spell. He plays with a calmness on the pitch and he adds another important layer to our options in the midfield area.
"I'm looking forward to working with Charlie and have every confidence he will integrate well into the environment we have here."
"He has experience of a promotion in Sky Bet League Two as well as playing in the league above in his most recent loan spell. He plays with a calmness on the pitch and he adds another important layer to our options in the midfield area.
"I'm looking forward to working with Charlie and have every confidence he will integrate well into the environment we have here."
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