Leeds United already have exact blueprint they must avoid with Harry Gray as exit close

Harry Gray is set to depart Leeds United for another loan spell to continue his development.

The prodigious 17-year-old is close to joining Leeds' Yorkshire rivals and League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday.

Barring any late hiccups, it looks as though it is just a case of dotting Is and crossing Ts to get this temporary loan deal done.

Forward Gray spent the second half of the previous campaign with Rotherham United, where he scored three goals in 20 League One outings.

Gray was unable to prevent the Millers from being relegated, but there is a hope that he will be competing at the other end of the table this time around.

But Leeds have lessons to learn and a blueprint not to follow to ensure they get the most out of Gray's undoubted potential.

Leeds must avoid past mistakes when it comes to Harry Gray's future

It makes complete sense in truth for Gray to go out and get more experience on loan.

Many fans may have expected him to join a Championship club, but at Wednesday there is likely to be a lot of regular football.

Moreover, the Owls have sold in excess of 20,000 season tickets, so Gray will playing in front of a bumper and expectant Hillsborough crowd.

There is a lesson Leeds need to learn, though, and that is to make sure Gray doesn't fall by the wayside like Joe Gelhardt did.

Gelhardt, now 24, arrived with big expectations from Wigan Athletic back in 2020, but has never really lived up to the billing despite flashes of brilliance.

The issue is, Gelhardt has either been shipped out on loan, most recently to Hull City where his 15 Championship goals helped seal promotion, or been in and out of the squad at Elland Road.

When he has been involved, he has seen his position flip and flop between a more central striker, and a role out wide - something that happened during a loan spell at Sunderland too.

Leeds need to be clear about the amount of game time they expect for Gray, and set out a plan for what position they see the youngster playing when back at Elland Road.

The last thing they need is for another talent with huge potential to fall by the wayside.

What's the latest with Joe Gelhardt's Leeds future?

Gelhardt is now back at Leeds following his successful loan at Hull last season.

He had been on a temporary stint with the Tigers for the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign too, and Hull are still interested in sealing a deal.

However, an agreement has not been reached, and there is no imminent movement despite the fact Gelhardt is keen to join Hull time.

Whether he joins the Premier League new boys or finds another club, it looks almost nailed on that he won't be at Leeds again next season.