Leeds goalkeeper returns to Elland Road after just one loan appearance – here’s why
Leeds have real strength in depth at the goalkeeper position.
Karl Darlow is currently impressing in place of the injured Lucas Perri, with the Brazilian still out of action.
Illan Meslier remains at Leeds, with the once highly rated Frenchman now relegated to third-choice at Elland Road.
The Whites are also looking toward the future and putting plans in place to promote from within, with a promising young goalkeeper on their books.
Rory Mahady back at Leeds following senior debut
Rory Mahady joined Scunthorpe United last week on a youth loan to give him experience in senior football.
Mahady made his Scunthorpe debut midweek in the Irons’ 3-1 victory away at York City, to remain unbeaten in the National League.
The Scottish goalkeeper, however, returned to Leeds to feature for the U-21 side against West Brom on Friday, 3 October.
This may seem unusual to Leeds fans, but there is a reason Mahady has returned to his parent club.
Youth loan rules permit such academy talents to play in non-first-team matches for their parent club during the period of their temporary loan spell.
Mahady will be unavailable for Scunthorpe’s next matches because he’ll be away representing Scotland U-21s against Gibraltar and Azerbaijan.
Mahady can cement Leeds spot if he continues to perform
Mahady is highly thought of at Leeds, and the loan at Scunthorpe is going to be brilliant for his development.
The young Scot impressed on his debut for the Irons, only conceding a consolation goal in the 95th minute.
- Mahady joined Leeds from Celtic in September 2022 as a 16-year-old.
- He made the matchday squad for Leeds’s first team in the game against Sheffield United last March.
- Mahady made 17 appearances for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side last season in the Premier League 2.
Leeds are known for their brilliant academy and producing high-level youth prospects, with Mahady the latest to come through.
The teenager will get great experience further down the pyramid, and if he can continue his good form at Scunthorpe, he will be well in the frame at Leeds next season.
Darlow is out of contract at the end of the season, and there could be a second-choice spot available at Elland Road.
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