Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 6 April 2026 20:10, UK

Leeds United have a whole host of exciting youth players, none of whom made the squad for the FA Cup win over West Ham.

The Whites secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals for the frist time in 39 years against the Hammers, adding more excitement around the end of the season.

However, the win wasn’t without consequences, with Anton Stach’s injury by far the biggest blow suffered in the 12-minute clash at the London Stadium, with Noah Okafor and Joe Rodon also getting minor knocks.

But what stood out the most on the Sunday was the lack of Thorp Arch representatives named on the bench.

With several having impressed this season, and Leeds in need of rotation, that could be a big concern for several academy players.

Thorp Arch products have every right to question the future

Granted, the situation is slightly different due to injuries, but West Ham had seven academy players in their squad for Sunday’s FA Cup clash, compared to the zero named by Daniel Farke for Leeds.

Instead, Farke opted for a full-strength squad, despite the fact that the biggest prize to be won this season is their survival in the Premier League.

That in itself is not an issue, but it certainly begs the question for a lot of the Whites’ academy players as to what the future actually holds for them at Elland Road.

If none of them can make the squad for the FA Cup clash, it’s highly unlikely we will see any of them for the rest of the season, and that will carry through to the new campaign.

Alfie Cresswell, Rhys Chadwick and Jayden Lienou in particular have showcased their worth in the Premier League 2, and yet have had nothing to show for it this season.

Summer clearout pending at Elland Road?

Playing Under-21 football can only do so much for a player’s development, and very rarely should that be the case for more than a season.

However, ahead of the summer window, Leeds will need to look at the situation at Thorp Arch and decide what is best.

The likes of Cresswell should be getting senior minutes if they are to ever have the tools to make their step up, and to ensure that they do, loan moves may be necessary.