Manchester United recruited Mexes from Ipswich Town's youth system in the summer of 2024, when he was 14. The forward did not make an appearance for United's Under-18s during the 2025-26 season, and the move to Leeds United is expected to provide opportunities at higher age-group level than were available at Old Trafford.
Mexes is the latest young player to make the switch from United's academy to Leeds. Edward Ibrović-Fletcher, born in Leeds, signed for the Elland Road club's youth ranks a few months ago in a similar arrangement.
The Earnshaw connection adds a layer of interest to the move. Robert Earnshaw remains one of Wales's most recognisable forwards of the 2000s, scoring 16 goals in 59 caps and enjoying a prolific career across Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, among others, with a reputation for predatory finishing inside the box.
Silva Mexes has represented Thailand at youth level, reflecting the family's wider international connections — his mother is understood to have Thai heritage, giving him eligibility that has been explored by Thailand's youth set-up to date.
For Leeds, the acquisition fits a broader academy strategy of identifying players who have fallen down the pecking order at Premier League clubs' youth systems and offering a clearer pathway to first-team football, including pre-arranged professional terms as an incentive.
Whether either Mexes or Ibrović-Fletcher ultimately breaks into Leeds's first-team picture remains, at this stage, entirely open. But for two players overlooked by Manchester United's age-group sides, a move across the Pennines offers something Old Trafford currently does not: a clear route forward.