Jonny Howson set for Leeds return after Middlesbrough announcement
Jonny Howson is set to return to Leeds United after leaving Middlesbrough.
Leeds and Boro have a history of exchanging players, with Patrick Bamford’s move mostly proving to be a success.
Bamford looks set to depart Elland Road in the coming weeks, with Middlesbrough a potential destination.
In turn, former Peacocks midfielder Howson looks to be heading in the opposite direction.
Howson to join Leeds as a player-coach for the Under-21s
Leeds have relied on their youth sides massively in recent years to produce first-team players such as Archie Gray.
37-year-old Howson was also an academy graduate, and he went on to make more than 200 appearances for the Whites between 2006 and 2012.
It was announced on Tuesday (22 July) that Howson would be leaving Middlesbrough, and it looks as though the midfielder is set to return to West Yorkshire.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 340 | 10 | 26 |
His brother, Daniel Howson, posted on Facebook saying: “Well, it’s out. I’ve had loads of messages from people, my brothers back home again, where it all began in April 1995.
“Now he’s back where it began, a new chapter to help get kids through to the first team, and back wearing the white shirt, player-coach of Under-21s.”
Howson departed Middlesbrough after not being offered a new contract.
The midfielder played over 300 games in the North East and showed last season that even as a veteran, he still has what it takes to play top-level Championship football.
Therefore, he will likely be a huge asset for the Whites and could help their talented young players flourish.
Howson to be very useful for Leeds
It is expected that Howson will play a similar role for Leeds’ youth teams to what Tom Huddlestone has done with Manchester United’s youngsters.
The midfielder is likely to help out and get involved in training, and will be useful in showing the likes of Gray the speed of the professional game.
Howson is joined by former Middlesbrough teammate Stewart Downing at Leeds, and the pair’s relationship will be important to get the best out of their youngsters.
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