Leeds United forward Luca Thomas will remain on loan at York City until January, the National League club has confirmed.
The 20 year-old, who joined the Minster men in October, has impressed during his stint and will look to continue his development with regular game time in non-league football.
A Promising Loan Spell
Thomas has made five appearances for York City across all competitions, scoring one goal. Under the guidance of manager Adam Hinshelwood, he has become a valuable member of the squad as the club pushes for promotion to the Football League. Currently sitting second in the National League table, York trail leaders Forest Green Rovers by just two points.
The official statement from Leeds United wished the youngster luck.
“Since heading to the LNER Community Stadium, the 20-year-old has made four appearances so far, scoring in York’s 4-0 victory over Ebbs fleet on debut.
Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Luca well during his time out on loan and we look forward to seeing his development away from the club.”
Leeds United’s Plan for Thomas
Thomas joined Leeds United from Manchester City’s academy in 2021 and has since progressed through the club’s youth system. With 12 goals in 30 appearances for Leeds’ Under-21 side, he has shown promise but is yet to make his senior debut for Daniel Farke’s team.
Leeds will face a decision in January on whether to integrate Thomas into the first-team setup or explore another loan move to further his development. As the Whites continue their promotion push from third place in the Championship, the opportunity for Thomas to gain competitive experience elsewhere could be crucial.
York City’s Promotion Push
York City will rely on Thomas and the rest of their squad to maintain momentum as they chase a return to the Football League. Despite a recent 2-0 loss to Forest Green Rovers, the Minster men remain in contention for the top spot, with their next fixture against Yeovil Town offering a chance to bounce back.
He would also come off of the bench just three days later in a 3-1 win over Barnet, and came close to a second goal in as many games after Nick Hayes denied the youngster’s header in stoppage-time.
His impressive start to life in North Yorkshire earned a start in York’s 2-1 victory over FC Halifax Town the following weekend, as well as in the Emirates FA Cup first round exit against Wycombe Wanderers, after a narrow 3-2 defeat against League One opposition.
Thomas would return to the bench and gained six minutes of football in the recent 5-3 victory over rivals Hartlepool United, and was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers.
He will continue to provide cover for the injured Lenell John-Lewis, who Hinshelwood hopes will return to training during December.
Manager Hinshelwood previously commented on Thomas’ quality, and discussed how the 20-year-old compares to the injured John-Lewis: “They are different types of player, but obviously both are strikers.
“Luca is probably a bit more running off the shoulder, a bit quicker and he has got a lovely left foot and definitely knows where the back of the net is.
“He’s a different type of player to Lenell [John-Lewis], who is probably a bit more of a target man, holds up the ball brilliantly for us at the latter stages of the game when we probably have to go a little bit longer.
“So, yes similar position, but don’t play quite the same sort of style.”
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