Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Wed 1 April 2026 14:10, UK

Jacob Howard is a name that Leeds United fans may become accustomed to in the near future.

Archie Gray, Kalvin Phillips and James Milner. They are just three of the names that have risen through Leeds United’s academy over the years and gone on to have a successful playing career at the highest level.

Of those three, Gray is the only one yet to make a senior appearance for England, but given his performances in a disjointed Tottenham side, his debut isn’t far away.

However, Leeds have several more promising prospects at Thorp Arch, and towards the very top of the list is Howard, who could prove to be something special.

Jacob Howard is already ahead of his time at Leeds

Howard turned 17 years old just a few days ago, and yet he has been a regular for Leeds United’s Under-21s since the start of the campaign.

That in itself is a testament to just how much faith the Whites have in him and just how impressive he has been.

Typically, at that age specifically, players struggle to cope with the physical demands often met at the Under-21 level, and that isnt too different for Howard, but the other areas of his game showcase the quality he already has.

Howard has completed 80 per cent of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League 2 this season, while also having completed 84.9 per cent of his attempted passes.

He’s a solid defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is a very rare attribute at his age.

On top of that, the teenager has already featured eight times for England at youth level, demonstrating the fact that he is already on the radar of several senior figures.

How soon could we see Howard for Leeds United?

Very few teams throw youngsters in at the deep end, and especially centre-backs.

Considering Howard would have to contend with the physicality of the likes of Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago and Brian Brobbey, it would be a stretch to say we could see him soon.

However, this summer could be the perfect opportunity for Leeds to find him a loan move within the EFL, and develop that side of his game.

Should that go to plan, we could easily see him creep into the first-team picture at Elland Road within the next 18 months.