Leeds United have done some great business for the first team this summer. The club have now brought in six new players in this transfer window.
Anton Stach is the latest player to arrive at Elland Road, adding another solid midfield presence after Sean Longstaff. Leeds fans got to see most of their new signings in action – Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Lukas Nmecha all made their debuts.
Outside the business done for the first team, Leeds have quietly been recruiting at youth level. The past month has seen the club sign talented players from Manchester City and Liverpool. Recent reports suggest that the club are also keeping an eye on Morecambe U21 Olly Tonkin.
QUIZ: Can you name the season these 10 Leeds United shirts are from?
Jonny Howson set for shock return to Leeds United
Graham Smyth has reported that Jonny Howson could sign a deal with the club that would see him serve as player-coach for the Leeds U21 side. Howson was officially released by Middlesbrough on Tuesday after eight years with the club.
not done yet but very possible*, probably probable you might even say.
Nice idea. Experienced head around the 21s. Someone to pass the ball to Harry Gray.#lufc https://t.co/WjX9ocaeLz
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 22, 2025
The midfielder is a former Leeds United player – he played for the club for six years and made over 180 appearances.
Jonny Howson looks set to rejoin Leeds United and will take up a role as player-coach of their under-21s.#Boro | #UTB | #LUFC pic.twitter.com/MFxYgYyoDy
— Boropolis (@Boropolis) July 22, 2025
News around his return to Elland Road was amplified when his brother Daniel Howson posted on Facebook, hinting that the 37-year old was making the switch.
Club is building something with the U21s
Credit: Imago
Multiple reports have indicated that Howson’s return will be returning in a role to bring some experience to the U21 side. Leeds have signed two top talents this summer – Jayden Lienou and Louis Enahoro-Marcus. The club poached these youngsters from Manchester City and Liverpool.
The duo will add to an already exciting group of players including Harry Gray, Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew. Leeds U21 side won the National League Cup last season.
Clubs across the Premier League have adopted some player-coaches; Manchester United did it with Tom Huddlestone, and Liverpool with Jay Spearing.
What could success with this youth recruitment look like?
Ideally, these players will develop along and become some of the best players in their squad. Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Summerville, and recently Mateo Joseph took this path.
The other option is that they become good enough to sell down the line. Leeds made over £50million from selling Summerville and Archie Gray last summer.
