Leeds United have made a conscious effort to overhaul their youth teams in the last few seasons. And on Tuesday night, one of the players made history in the Football League Trophy.
The Whites have brought in Jonny Howson as player-coach and Aaron Lennon has also been a part of the coaching staff.
Leeds have also brought in top quality signings like Jayden Lienou, Louis Enahoro-Marcus and this season they added Ditmir Hodja and Reuben Lopata-White. All these players are really talented.
The club are aiming to develop them towards the first team.
In recent seasons, the club have brought Crysencio Summerville, Pascal Struijk and Archie Gray from the youth sides to the first team.
Leeds United youngster makes history with hat-trick
Callum Mills. Credit: IMAGO
Harry Gray made his impact last year, as he was prolific with the U21s while being in first team training.
Gray then went on to join Rotherham United in the second half of last season where he scored a few goals, proving his quality at senior level.
And this week, another Leeds player is looking to follow his footsteps. Callum Mills scored a hattrick for the Whites’ U21 side as they beat Barnsley in the EFL Trophy group stage game.
Mills was in deadly form, scoring three goals from three shots on target.
At 18 years and 3 days old tonight, Callum Mills is the youngest hat-trick scorer in the entire history of the Football League Trophy. #lufc https://t.co/KBolcyxmnv
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) September 22, 2026
And Opta’s Jonny Cooper revealed later on Tuesday night that the Leeds youngster had made history. Callum Mills is the youngest player to score a hattrick in the competition at 18 years and 3 days old.
Mills spoke to BBC Radio Leeds after the game.
“It’s great to get three goals and get my name out there; there will be lots of people watching.
“It’s more physical, but it’s good to play these games so you’re used to proper men’s football.
“The feeling is good in the changing room; we just need to keep going and not get complacent. Hopefully I’ll get another three goals in the next game!”
READ MORE: £25m Leeds star now ready to push for January exit after Daniel Farke decision
Will Callum Mills have a path to the first team?
The situation at Elland Road has increasingly become complicated when it comes to youth players.
Since the period in the Championship when Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Pascal Struijk the club have not really used young players in their first team. The Whites are now focused on adding quality through the transfer market.
This was very clear when Harry Gray barely got a kick last year.
Gray was sent on loan this season even with Leeds loaning out Joel Piroe, and having just two senior options at Centre forward.
If Callum Mills does continue to develop, maybe he will get a look in under Farke. But for now, it is very unlikely.
