Leeds hang Harry Gray out to dry as transfer decision made
Harry Gray is set to leave Leeds United on loan shortly.
Gray is one of Leeds’ most talented youth prospects, but he has been unable to force his way into Daniel Farke‘s squad.
He was not included for Leeds’ victory over Derby County in the FA Cup on 11 January, which seemed to make the Whites’ intentions for the 18-year-old clear.
He featured for the Under-21’s the day before, instead, but he is now set to ply his trade away from Elland Road, for the next few months, anyway.
Where is Harry Gray going on loan?
Leeds boss Farke is a huge fan of Gray, but the youngster needs to be playing regular football for his long-term development.
The Peacocks have agreed to send him out on loan to League One outfit Rotherham, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth.
He stated that the opportunities that he will get with the Millers and the proximity to his parent club were key factors in the decision.
Why Leeds’ decision on Gray is the wrong one
Of course, it is good that Gray will play regularly and will still be close to the club and his family, but Leeds may have gotten it totally wrong.
Rotherham sit 22nd in League One, and have scored the joint-second fewest goals in the division this season, enduring a dismal season so far.
That does not inspire confidence that the Peacocks gem will score many goals in his first spell away from LS11, as the New York Stadium side clearly does not create many chances.
Surely, Farke and Co could have found a better destination for their promising youngster that would have given him confidence, rather than a relegation scrap where he may be relied upon to score often, while not having the service to do so.
That will put a lot of pressure on his shoulders and could backfire, as he may struggle under it, which would only harm his chances of eventually making it with the Whites.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether it is the right move, but it is definitely a gamble at this stage of his career.