Liam Cooper's three-word message to Harry Gray proves Leeds know what they're doing

Liam Cooper has sent a welcome message to Harry Gray after his loan from Leeds United to Sheffield Wednesday was complete.

Prodigious talent Gray, 17, will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Hillsborough after a season-long loan was agreed.

Gray will continue his development away from Elland Road, having also played 20 games in League One for Rotherham United last season.

He managed to score three goals in those matches, and will be looking to kick on again with the Owls this season.

Leeds will be confident of one thing, and that is the fact former Whites favourite Cooper will take Gray under his wing.

And the 34-year-old, who captained Leeds to promotion back in 2020, has already publicly welcomed Gray.

What did Liam Cooper say to Leeds talent Harry Gray?

Wednesday and Leeds announced the deal for Gray to move on loan on Tuesday.

He is already with the Owls for a pre-season training camp at St George's Park, where will link up with Cooper.

Cooper joined Wednesday on a free transfer last season, and has signed up for another year to help boost their efforts to get out of League One at the first time of asking.

The veteran defender has taken to social media to welcome Gray, posting on his Instagram story with the caption: "Here he is" and a clapping emoji.

Cooper himself will hope for more action after spending time of the sideliens with injury last term, but his message proves Leeds know what they're doing.

Leeds hierarchy will have full trust in Cooper

There are plenty of reasons why Leeds will have chosen to send Gray to Hillsborough for the coming campaign.

Wednesday may be back in League One, but they are going through a big summer of transition after the takeover by Arise Capital - led by American businessman David Storch.

As such, the Owls have sold over 24,000 season tickets for the coming campaign, meaning Gray will have exposure to bumper crowds.

But no doubt the fact that Cooper is there will have played a part in the club's thinking, too.

Cooper is a natural-born leader, and Leeds' decision-makers will know Cooper will do what he can to help Gray and aid his footballing development.