Harry Gray’s latest Leeds U21s exploits to prompt major January decision at Elland Road
Harry Gray’s latest exploits for Leeds United’s U21s will have have made everybody sit up and take notice.
The 17-year-old has a huge future ahead of him at Elland Road, and he is hotly tipped to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Archie, and quickly become a star in LS11.
Gray netted a brace for Leeds’ U21s side in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday night, and he was the standout performer in the youthful Whites team that were beaten 3-2 away at League Two side Accrington Stanley.
The striker is already firmly on the radar of Daniel Farke and the rest of the first-team staff, but his latest displays could actually result in him leaving the club in January.
Leeds to explore potential loan move for Harry Gray in January
Gray featured from the bench for Leeds in pre-season, after previously making his senior debut during their Championship promotion-winning campaign last time out.
The young prodigy has been prolific in youth football, and he already has five goals from his opening six games in Premier League 2 this term, despite the fact it is technically an under-21 league.
However, his most impressive moments so far in 2025-26 have come against senior opposition in the Vertu Trophy and the National League Cup.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Vertu Trophy | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| National League Cup | 2 | 3 | – |
| Premier League Invitational Cup | 1 | – | – |
| Total | 11 | 10 | 2 |
Both competitions see the Whites youngsters line up against seasoned professionals, and Gray has stood out with five goals from four games across both tournaments.
Leeds may have had reservations about loaning Gray out this winter, given that he only turned 17 at the start of October, but his performance against Accrington in midweek highlighted that he is ready to be thrown in at the deep end in senior football.
The decision on whether to loan out a young player can often be pivotal in their development, but Gray’s recent proof that he can physically compete against senior opposition is all the evidence needed to show that he is ready.
- Read More: Harry Gray fear to block Leeds United January transfer after what’s happened at Elland Road
League Two loan would be perfect for Harry Gray
Gray recently signed a new contract at Leeds after interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs in the summer, but a brief stint away from his parent club could be the perfect grounding for him in the new year.
He has shown that he is capable of posing a threat to League Two defences, and as a result, that could be the ideal level for him to go in at for the second half of the campaign.
The fourth tier has a strong mix of physicality and players who provide great technical quality, so it would certainly be a fresh challenge for Gray.
The gap between youth football and the Premier League is simply far too big for him to make that jump immediately, so it is surely now time for him to start working his way through the leagues out on loan.
If Leeds could secure an agreement with a team in relatively close proximity to Elland Road, such as the likes of Harrogate Town or Oldham Athletic, it would even present the opportunity for him to train with his parent club on occasion.
The development of young players is all about ensuring that they are consistently challenged, and Premier League 2 has simply become too easy for Gray of late.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews