Leeds United’s first official transfer in the 2025 January transfer window has now been announced with midfielder Charlie Crew completing a loan move to Doncaster Rovers.
Leeds are yet to do anything in terms of incoming signings and Wales international is the first of two loan exits expected to be confirmed within 24 hours, as Joe Gelhardt nears a move to Championship side Hull.
The 18-year-old made his debut for Leeds earlier this season, which actually came after he had won his first Wales cap. The talented youngster has completed a move to Grant McCann’s League Two outfit.
A move that makes sense given Crew has only been able to play once for Daniel Farke’s side, and The Whites making three midfield signings over the past six months alongside Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
What Leeds have told Charlie Crew about his future after loan
The former Cardiff City teenager has joined Doncaster on a dry loan in order to go and get some game time and then perhaps return to Leeds in the summer, more experienced and a better player for it.
With Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Josuha Guilavogui, Gruev and Ampadu ahead of Crew in the pecking order, it was a move that Crew had to make. Speaking to Doncaster’s site, he says what Leeds have told him.
“I’ve trained with the first team full time, been involved in a few matchday squads and managed to make my debut at Elland Road, which was a special day for me and my family,” Crew said after his loan deal.
“I’m just looking for regular game time now. Leeds want me to play games, get used to men’s football and just show my quality,” the Wales star continued, making it clear he will remain a Leeds United player.
When does Charlie Crew’s contract at Leeds currently run until
Clearly, The 49ers and Leeds see Crew as a future talent with the midfielder penning a new long-term contract at Elland Road last summer. The Wales star has a deal with Leeds until the summer of 2028.
Crew has his work cut out. He remains firmly down the pecking order and while Guilavogui and Rothwell will leave Leeds this summer as things stand, the Wales star has a long way to go before he is ready.
A loan to Doncaster needs to be a success and then perhaps next season, Crew can engineer himself a loan to a high-end League One side or even possibly a low-end Championship team for 2025-26.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
