Leeds United thanked as defender seals final-day exit from Elland Road
Leeds United are remaining active in the winter transfer window right until the final hours, with a loan exit being announced on deadline day.
While all the focus has been on Leeds‘ slim chances of signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, other activity has been going on behind the scenes at Elland Road.
Four players have already been loaned out by Leeds over the past month or so, with Jack Harrison to Fiorentina being the highest-profile move.
Devon Brockie, Harry Gray and Alex Baird have also been been sent out on loan, while another youngster will now pick up minutes elsewhere for the rest of the season.
Reuben Lopata-White loan agreement reached
It was reported earlier on Monday that Reuben Lopata-White was close to joining Scottish side Greenock Morton on loan.
That deal has now been confirmed by both Greenock and Leeds.
Lopata-White will spend the next three-and-a-bit months at Cappielow Park, with Greenock positioned seventh in the second tier of Scottish football.
Reacting to the confirmed loan deal, Greenock boss Ian Murray said: “I am delighted to get this deal over the line and welcome Reuben to the club.
“He is an extremely promising young defender who will provide crucial depth and competition to the defence as we head into an extremely important part of the season.
“I would like to thank Leeds United for their help and assistance to allow this deal to take place and for their trust in my coaching staff and I with the next stage in Reuben’s development.“
- Read more: Sources share latest on Strand Larsen as Leeds await outcome of ‘fascinating’ development
Exactly who is Lopata-White?
This is a deal that works for all three parties. Lopata-White, most importantly, gets to play – you would assume – more regular first-team football.
Leeds will see him grow as a player as a result, while Greenock have a talented defender on their hands to help with their own aspirations.
Lopata-White is a centre-back by trade and has made 16 appearances for the Under-21s this season, but there is nothing quite like the experience of playing regularly at senior level.
The youngster signed his first professional deal at Elland Road in the summer of 2024 and looks to be a real star of the future.
Every Leeds fan will now wish him the best and hope this is the first step on his way towards becoming a Whites star in the not-too-distant future.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.