Leeds United: Academy usage among Premier League lowest as new stat exposes serious issue

Leeds United have used just one academy graduate in the Premier League this season, and for just eight minutes of football.

Sam Byram, 32, came off the bench to feature for the end of the Whites’ 5-0 defeat at Arsenal at the start of the season.

He is the only player to have both graduated from the Leeds academy and appeared in the Premier League for them this season, despite having made his debut almost 14 years ago.

There are several players on loan, in fairness, with the hugely exciting Harry Gray spending the second half of the season with Rotherham, but he would have been unlikely to feature prominently.

Leeds’ form has meant that every match has taken on increased importance this season, yet the lack of youth involvement does raise concerns.

Leeds academy failing to produce first-team regulars

Archie Gray was snubbed for an England call-up last month, despite his strong performances for Tottenham.

The midfielder left Leeds for the Lilywhites in a deal worth around £30million in 2024, and he remains among their biggest-ever sales.

Gray came up through the academy, following in the footsteps of a family of legends, including Eddie and Frank Gray.

Both Archie and his brother Harry are emblematic of a Leeds academy that has produced the likes of James Milner, Gary Speed, David Seaman and Kalvin Phillips.

But in recent years, the production line has slowed, and the Whites have failed to introduce the same level of talent.

BBC Sport‘s report that only eight minutes of Leeds’ Premier League season have been played with an academy graduate on the pitch is damning.

Just three clubs – Bournemouth, Brentford and Burnley – have recorded fewer than the Whites this season, while the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have recorded well over 5000.

What can be done at Leeds?

Look at the academy teams themselves, and the situation is not much better. The Under-18s are in the U18 Premier League North, and currently sit ninth from 14 teams.

The U21s, on the other hand, are in an even worse position. The Whites youngsters are 24th in Premier League 2, with only five teams below them.

Both teams have been picked of their best players, but that is exactly what happens to each and every academy team.

There is clearly an issue with the way Leeds are developing their youngsters that goes beyond just the manager’s trust. Deeper analysis is needed, with a history of academy graduates waiting to be followed.

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