Harry Gray and the other Leeds breakout youngsters to look out for as German giants circle
Leeds will be happy about how their academy is progressing, as Harry Gray signed a new contract on Tuesday.
Gray is a top talent a Leeds, and could very well follow in the footsteps of his brother Archie Gray, who now plays regularly in the Premier League for Tottenham.
However, details in Gray’s contract may cause worries due to Leeds‘ limitations to offer him a lengthy extension, as regulations over his age remain a restriction.
This comes after the news that Bundesliga clubs are interested in Leeds talent Sam Alker, as Daniel Farke will want to protect the future of the Whites.
Indeed, German sides are said to be paying close attention to youngsters at British clubs, knowing they can offer them a quick route to first-team football.
Leeds want to stay in the Premier League, but if they do, they need to hope some top starlets remain at LS11.
Here are some of the standout youngsters Leeds currently have on their books.
Alfie Creswell
Another young brotherhood that has been seen at Thorp Arch is Charlie Creswell and his brother Alfie Creswell.
The latter left Leeds in a permanent deal to join Ligue 1 side Toulouse in France after impressing on loan in the Championship with Millwall.
- Creswell has played five times for Leeds in Division 1 of the Premier League 2
- He has three goals to his name
- Creswell operates mainly as a central defensive midfielder, but can also play centre-back
Now, Alfie is poised to be just as good, if not better than his brother, as the versatile midfielder has been magnificent for Leeds U21s side in Division 1 of the Premier League 2.
The 18-year-old has featured in Leeds’ U21s games in the EFL Trophy competition against senior sides like Fleetwood Town, Scunthorpe and Port Vale.
Rory Mahady
Rory Mahady is a 19-year-old goalkeeper who has been a regular for Leeds U21s.
After impressing at youth level, Mahady earned himself a move to National League side Scunthorpe, where he made his senior debut away to York City.
| Total saves | Saves inside the box | High claims | Rating |
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 7.5 |
Mahady was unable to keep a clean sheet, but he helped his side to a 3-1 win, demonstrating his ability to cope with the physical demands of the senior game.
If Mahady keeps it up, then he could find himself in Farke’s plans sooner rather than later.
Of course, there’s Gray too, and his actions are speaking louder than words.
Harry Gray
Gray‘s contract extension was no fluke, as the 17-year-old has been simply the best performer for Leeds U21s side.
Despite his age, he is performing against players who are older and more experienced than him in Division 1 of the Premier League 2.
- Gray has 12 goals in 18 games since graduating to Leeds U21s
- The striker already has nine goal contributions this season
- Gray has featured and scored for England U17s
Farke has problems up front as Leeds fired another blank in their loss to Burnley last time out.
Gray’s age and fearlessness could be something that Farke utilises in upcoming games from the bench, with the striker primed in blistering form.
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