Leeds United player seals out-of-window loan exit to English club
Joe Richards has sealed a short-term loan to National League North side South Shields from Leeds United.
The Whites confirmed the move on their official website on Thursday [24 October] as the 19-year-old academy prospect departs for Mariners Park for first-team opportunities.
Richards got himself on the scoresheet in his final outing for the Under-21s side before securing his loan move to the North-East, scoring the third goal in a 3-1 win against Stockport County Under-21s in the Premier League Cup.
Joe Richards has a chance to impress away from Leeds United
While the 3-1 victory against Stockport may have elevated teammate Rhys Chadwick into first-team contention, Richards will be serving his development away from Thorp Arch this season.
Richards has risen through the youth ranks at Leeds for the past three years and was promoted to the Under-21s side by Paco Gallardo this year after impressing last term, scoring one goal in six appearances in Premier League 2.
The right-back has clocked up 51 outings for the Under-18s since his debut in the 2021/22 campaign, contributing four assists for the side.
While the National League is far from the most glamourous division in the English football pyramid, the loan move presents an opportunity for regular first-team football nonetheless.
With Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle holding down the full-back positions under Daniel Farke, this season has proved the importance of squad depth as the side looks to the free-agent market to combat the ongoing injury crisis.
Richards has the chance to gain valuable experience at South Shields to return to the Under-21s side a more well-rounded player and could be one to keep an eye on next year for the Whites.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been told a deal for Jonothan Rowe is still on the cards in a fresh transfer claim.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.