Leeds United have eight games left to secure promotion to the Premier League, beginning with Swansea City on Saturday, and manager Daniel Farke has been assessing his attacking options.
Joel Piroe remains the Championship’s second-highest scorer, Mateo Joseph drew interest from Real Betis in January, and Patrick Bamford is back in training and available for selection. With these three fit and ready, Leeds have their full attacking contingent for the crucial run-in. Additionally, Farke mentioned that Willy Gnonto has a 50-50 chance of making the squad for Saturday after returning early from Italy U21 duty.
Among the senior options up front, including Dan James, Leeds also have 16-year-old Harry Gray waiting in the wings. The younger brother of Archie Gray has been training with the first team and was part of the group of six youngsters that traveled to Germany last summer. Despite only turning 16 this season, Gray has been in impressive form for Leeds’ second string, catching the attention of Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
When asked by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth about the possibility of Gray making his debut before the season ends, Farke expressed his desire to give Gray a chance but acknowledged that timing remains a challenge.
“All the players who train with the first team have a chance to make the squad,” Farke said. “But we have to remember Harry is still very young and hasn’t played senior football yet. It would be too soon to expect him to start when we have top scorers like Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and experienced Patrick Bamford available. But he is training well, improving, and we want to involve him as soon as possible.”
Gray’s best chance for a debut may come if Leeds build a comfortable lead in one of their remaining games. Earlier this season, Farke handed debuts to Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew in the closing minutes of a victory over Plymouth. However, breaking into the squad will be difficult for Gray, especially with Bamford fit again. If Gray is to get his opportunity, he will need to continue impressing in training.
With promotion on the line, Farke is likely to lean on experienced players to secure the necessary points, but Gray’s progress and talent suggest he is deserving of a chance to make his senior debut at Elland Road.
