Harry Gray was handed his senior debut for Leeds United towards the end of last season at just 16, but he has yet to feature again for the Whites.
As the latest prospect to emerge from the renowned Gray family, added attention has naturally followed his progress, with the 17-year-old striker continuing his development behind the scenes.
Daniel Farke has been careful to manage expectations, repeatedly stressing that he does not want to place undue pressure on the teenager. Despite training regularly with the first team, Gray has not been used this season.
His absence from the FA Cup victory over Derby County appeared to signal a change in direction, and he completed a loan move to League One side Rotherham United from Leeds on Wednesday.
Harry Gray admits that he pushed to leave Leeds United
Gray signed a new contract with Leeds towards the end of last year. However, it didn’t lead to any first-team minutes as Farke chose to keep him away from senior football.
However, it appears that the Leeds manager’s extra caution frustrated the young striker, who kept waiting to make another senior appearance this season.
The 17-year-old striker has confirmed that he pushed to leave Leeds once he became aware that Rotherham United were keen to sign him on loan this month.
Gray stressed that he didn’t think he had much more to gain to continue playing youth football and feels that he is ready to play at the senior level.
Speaking to Rotherham United’s official channels, he said: “Pushing for a loan move, and when I heard I could go to Rotherham, it was an opportunity that excited me.
“My dad has mentioned them a few times, and it’s always nice to have a club like that watching you.
“I didn’t feel like I’d gain anything else from playing youth football anymore; I felt I was ready to play men’s football.”
Gray’s decision will shock Leeds fans
Leeds fans have already raised concerns about the club choosing to loan the young striker out to a team struggling at the wrong end of the table in League One.
However, it is now clear that Gray himself pushed to move on from Leeds, and he chose to join Rotherham United rather than the Whites, choosing the club.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Premier League International Cup U21 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| National League Cup | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| FA Youth Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 11 | 2 |
It is a bold move, and some fans are likely to be shocked given the teenager has backed himself to go out and prove himself at a struggling League One club.
Rotherham United’s attacking metrics are average, and scoring goals for them would be tough against some tough defenders in League One.
Leeds fans would want to see him succeed at Rotherham, but the striker has taken a big gamble on his talent and goalscoring ability.
