Lucas Thomas can hit new heights after Leeds United transfer announcement today

Leeds United starlet Luca Thomas has a chance to show English Football League clubs what he can do after being loaned out to York City.

The Whites confirmed on 17 October that Thomas is heading to the LNER Community Stadium on a short-term loan deal, but did not specify when the 20-year-old striker would be returning to Thorp Arch.

However, Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Joe Donnohue posted on X (17 October) that Thomas could be back in January, with an eye to making another loan move to a club at a higher level.

The Minstermen play in the fifth-tier National League, but if Thomas can replicate the form he’s shown for United’s academy this season, clubs in Leagues One and Two could cast their eyes towards him.

Luca Thomas ready for first-team chance away from Leeds United

Having scored six goals and registered an assist in just five Premier League 2 matches so far this season, it’s hardly surprising to see clubs being ready to give Thomas a first-team chance.

Unfortunately, due to their existing striker depth and the significant step-up in quality it would require Thomas to make, Daniel Farke’s first-team side at Elland Road is not yet one of them.

Instead, the 20-year-old will likely be given a fair chance to rack up regular minutes in North Yorkshire, and stake his claims as a good fit in senior football before returning to LS11 in January.

Thomas’ form at youth level for the Whites has become impossible to ignore, and a move to York – the same distance from Thorp Arch as Elland Road is – could be what truly unlocks his evident talent.

January could bring about another temporary switch for the youngster, and if he does indeed hit the ground running at York, those interested clubs higher in the Football League will likely be queuing up.

In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke will be thankful after one United star’s eventful match on international duty was cut short .

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