Jonny Howson secures surprise Leeds United return after Middlesbrough exit — Leeds Live 22/7/25

The former Leeds United academy graduate is returning to the club

Leeds United are set to bring Jonny Howson back to the football club. LeedsLive understands a deal has been agreed for the former Whites academy graduate to return as a player coach of the Under-21s. Howson's departure from Middlesbrough was confirmed this morning as he made an emotional goodbye following eight years at the Riverside Stadium.

The 37-year-old, who also spent five years with Norwich City after leaving Leeds United in 2012, was out of contract this summer and had been in talks with Boro over a one-year extension as the club prepare for a push to make a return to the Premier League. Those talks are believed to have ended when Leeds made their desire clear to bring the homegrown star back into the fold at the club, with Morley-born Howson returning to where it all started.

Howson had wanted to play one more season at a high level, but an opportunity to begin his coaching career and the chance to return to Leeds is understood to have convinced him this was a move he couldn't turn down. While no details are known yet as to Howson's plans to keep playing, the Under-21s are allowed to play three players over age, with Howson able to play in the reserves side alongside the players he coaches.

He wouldn't be the first player coach of the under-21s, with most notably former Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City player Tom Huddlestone doing that exact role at Manchester United recently and talking positively about the opportunity it gave him to understand the players better.

Howson is a hugely respected figure in the game and left Middlesbrough with a reputation of being a model professional off the pitch as well as a standard setter on it, something Leeds want him to add to their youth set-up. There is of course an opportunity for Howson to also provide a similar impact on the first team, in a role very similar to the one Joshua Guilavogui had last season.

Scott Gardner was appointed head coach of Leeds Under-21s in January 2024, having made the step up from the under-18s team. In his first full season in charge the U21s won the National League Cup.

Speaking following his exit from Middlesbrough, the club wrote: “His versatility and composure were a joy to behold and as club captain he led by example. MFC would like to thank Jonny for his wonderful service, commitment and dedication, and wish him all the very best for the future.”

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