Leeds United have predominantly worked on their senior team this summer, with six new arrivals already for Daniel Farke’s 2025/26 Premier League squad.
However, Louis Enahoro-Marcus has joined Leeds United from Liverpool alongside Jayden Lienou from Manchester City’s development side, too.
The Leeds youth team is an area of the club that has perhaps suffered from a lack of investment in recent Championship seasons, but the Whites have a proud history of developing some of the best talent in the country.
Currently, Archie Gray’s brother Harry Gray is the shining light of that side. Gray is one of five youngsters in Germany with Leeds’ first-team, with the likes of Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew.
However, the likes of Kalvin Phillips, James Milner, Lewis Cook, Fabian Delph, Alan Smith, and Jonny Howson have broken through over the last decade.
Graham Smyth’s view of Jonny Howson’s return to Leeds
Now, Leeds are being linked with a sensational return for former midfielder Howson, with the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder featuring for the Whites’ first-team between 2006 and 2012.
Leeds United are finalising Jonny Howson’s return home after 13 years away. Set to take on a player-coach role with the under-21s. Played 225 times during his first spell. #lufc https://t.co/4OGeeWd1uv
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) July 22, 2025
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He is set to become a player-coach of the U-21 team, and Leeds fans are delighted at the idea of Howson’s return.
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He captained the club a number of times in that stint, and the 37-year-old’s experience could be vital with youngsters like Gray. That is what Graham Smyth believes, speaking via The Square Ball podcast.
Speaking after beating SC Verl in pre-season, he said: “Well, Alex Cairns, you know, just looks like the happiest man in football. And people do say, don’t they —third choice goalkeeper is the best job in the world?
“But the look on his face yesterday when he was walking down the touch line, all kitted up and ready to go out, he looked proud as punch.
“And everyone around from the Leeds camp was absolutely delighted to see him get on the pitch for the first time in an official friendly or any kind of game since he came back to the club.
“He absolutely loves being here. And I quite like the whole Howson idea because we’ve seen it at other clubs with their 21s: a bit of leadership, a bit of quality, a bit of nous in the 21s.
“Which has kind of stagnated a little bit as a as a project or as a team in the last couple of years. It can’t really do that because you’ve got your prize jewel at number nine (Harry Gray).
“And he needs people to play with and, if he’s playing with the 21s, he needs service and he needs to be in a team that’s competitive. So, I really quite like the Howson thing.”
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesHarry Gray’s Leeds feats so far
Patrick Bamford is amazed with Gray in training and he is the latest to emerge from the Gray family dynasty. Hopes are high that the young forward will also go on to be a huge success at Elland Road at some stage.
Gray made his debut in the 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City last season, which delighted the legendary Eddie Gray up in the stands as well. However, he needs the right environment to thrive now.
Gray also scored the winning goal in the inaugural National League Cup final, with Leeds’ youngsters defeating a senior Sutton United side to win the trophy.
He secured the assist for the first goal against Verl on Tuesday as well, laying on an excellent assist for Piroe. After his part in the promotion celebrations, Gray has had an incredible few months now.
The excitement is palpable for a reason, and Howson will hope his experiences can impart some wisdom on Gray in a role which looks like a win-win for all parties involved in West Yorkshire.