Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 27 May 2026 9:10, UK

Harry Gray is one of the most exciting names around Leeds United at the moment.

The latest part of the Gray family has made waves at Thorp Arch with supporters calling for him to be handed a shot in the first-team.

Daniel Farke has spoken several times about his potential, but has so far given him just one chance in the Whites’ senior side.

He spent the second half of last season on loan with Rotherham, where he notched three goals and one assist in 20 matches with the Millers.

The Leeds youngster has now been backed to step up a level to the Championship, rather than staying with the Peacocks next season.

What has been said about Gray’s future?

Gray’s impressive exploits away from Leeds will have caught Farke’s attention, but he has stressed that he will not throw him into the deep end several times.

Jermaine Beckford, who was at the Elland Road club between 2006 to 2010 believes that is the right approach and has tipped him for a Championship loan move.

Speaking to Leeds Live on 27 May, he said: “The move to Rotherham was a good move for him on a personal level because he started to play men’s football, and that’s completely different to Under-21s.

“Now, the next step for him, I feel, has got to be the next level up from that.”

“He’s had that experience of League One football – he needs that experience of Championship football.

“I do think another loan spell next season to the Championship side – one that likes to get the ball moving, keep it on the floor, involves the strikers a lot – would be the next best move for him.

“Then the season after I think he should be looking at forcing his way into the first team at Leeds.

“But that’s not me saying that I don’t want him to stay at Leeds next season – I do, but I’m just talking about it from his own personal growth perspective.

“I don’t want him come back to Leeds and just sit on the bench. because with all due respect, you’re not going to learn loads just by sitting on the bench as you are if you go out and play regular men’s team football with the physicality and the pace of it.”

Why Leeds already know what to do with Gray

The Whites already have the example of how to manage Gray’s future from the way they have handled Joe Gelhardt.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Hull City, where he scored 14 goals and notched five assists in 39 games in the second tier.

He now looks ready for top-flight football, whether that is with Leeds or someone else, remains to be seen.

They must have the same kind of patience with Gray, as giving him his opportunity too soon, could hamper his development.

If the 17-year-old is not ready to make the step up yet, it could shatter his confidence, and he may struggle to have the required impact.

Despite the clamour surrounding him and his future, Farke and Co must resist temptation and not force him into a situation that will not benefit the youngster.

The German seems to be aware of this and does not look like he will throw him into senior football until he has shown that he is ready, which can only be a good thing for the LS11 side.