Harry Gray may have just had Leeds exit signed off after Daniel Farke decision
Harry Gray is surely closer than ever to a loan exit after what has happened at Leeds.
Gray is one of the most promising talents at Elland Road, but he has not had many opportunities to shine in the first team.
He has been linked with loan switches to the Championship, with Derby County showing an interest in the Leeds gem.
Now, it appears as though Daniel Farke is ready to let him leave Yorkshire, after what the German has done.
How has Farke confirmed Harry Gray loan decision?
Gray has been in brilliant form for Leeds’ youth ranks, with 11 goals so far this season in 14 appearances for the academy sides.
He was involved as the Under-21s beat Reading 2-0 on 10 January, scoring the opening goal for the Whites, basically confirming Farke’s plans for his future.
That suggests that he will not feature in the first team’s FA Cup clash against Derby on 11 January, which surely opens up the possibility of a loan exit, as he would not be cup-tied for the next round of the competition.
Why a loan exit makes sense for all parties
Ultimately, Gray needs to be playing regular football, at the senior level, rather than in the youth academy, if he is to become the player that his potential suggests he can.
His development would be best served by playing weekly for a football league club, as he would get a taste of a higher level of football.
- Gray has played 12 times for the Under-18’s with eight goals in those matches
- He has featured 22 times for the Under-21’s with 15 goals and two assists in that time
- He made his first and only senior appearances for the Peacocks in the 6-0 win over Stoke last season
In theory, the move would benefit both parties; the player learns what it takes to get to the top level and Leeds get a better player when he comes back to LS11.
It remains to be seen whether the 17-year-old departs this month, but it seems like the most likely conclusion after the latest developments from Thorp Arch.