Leeds United are teasing footage of pre-season preparations at Thorp Arch this month, but centre-back James Debayo is nowhere to be seen after his contract came to an end at the start of July.
Leeds’ academy has been a real source of pride for years, regardless of the club’s division, producing players capable of making their way into the senior fold.
Last season was no different despite the pressure for automatic promotion, seeing four teenagers make their senior debuts under Daniel Farke.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Harry Gray, Charlie Crew, Sam Chambers, Rory Mahady all in senior Leeds United training
The squad have taken to the grass at Thorp Arch in the past week, beginning their preparations for the upcoming Premier League survival bid.
Fresh from his high-profile senior debut, 16-year-old Harry Gray has again been heavily involved in the club’s pre-season, joined by three other U21 starlets, as seen in footage on Leeds’ media channels.
(Action Images/Matthew Childs)
A League Two title-winner with Doncaster Rovers, Charlie Crew is also present, as is fellow midfielder Sam Chambers, plus goalkeeper Rory Mahady.
James Debayo not seen in Leeds United training footage amid contract silence
One youngster that was a firm part of last season’s first team squad was James Debayo, even if he only made one very brief cameo in the dramatic 4-3 win away at Swansea City.
The teenage centre-back’s contract officially came to a conclusion at the end of June, with Leeds’ retained list confirming that he was one of four that had been offered fresh terms, alongside Mahady who was present in LUFC’s footage.
Debayo’s absence could suggest contract details still need to be ironed out, and if any other club intends to sign him after his contract expiry, they would be required to pay Leeds training compensation as the 49ers have tabled a contract offer to the centre-back.
Leeds United could be losing bright talent in Debayo – if he stays, he needs a loan
Leeds’ efforts to strengthen their defence with two new centre-backs and a left-back that has played in a back three previously does strongly suggest where Debayo sits in the current pecking order.
At 20, he’s ready to be playing senior football next season, but in the Premier League, Leeds aren’t the club that can offer it to him.
He showed 12 months ago in our 2024 pre-season that he’d be physically ready for EFL football, and if the club are able to agree a new contract, a loan move lower down the ladder is a must.
Losing him would be a blow, because he’s undoubtedly a talented player to be present consistently in last season’s squad ahead of any other youth centre-back.