Leeds United Midfielder Darko Gyabi Earns Well-Deserved Call-Up to England Under-21s Squad

Leeds United midfielder Darko Gyabi has received a significant boost to his international career after being promoted to the England Under-21 squad for the upcoming international break. Currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, Gyabi’s inclusion in the U21s marks a major milestone in his development and highlights his impressive performances this season.

The 19-year-old has been steadily building his reputation since his move from Manchester City to Leeds in the summer of 2022, and his performances at Plymouth Argyle have further solidified his potential. While Leeds is not in action this week due to the international break, Gyabi’s call-up is a positive sign for both his future at Elland Road and his growing influence in English football.

Daniel Farke, Leeds United’s head coach, will no doubt be closely monitoring Gyabi’s progress, as he looks to continue building momentum for his side heading into the winter months. With several Leeds players also out on international duty, including Gyabi, the international break provides an opportunity for the squad to refresh while also offering a glimpse into the future with Gyabi’s rise to prominence at the international level.

Gyabi’s call-up not only reflects his growing maturity on the pitch but also places him on the radar for future opportunities with the senior England squad. This is undoubtedly a crucial moment in his career, and Leeds fans will be hoping that this experience on the international stage will contribute to his continued growth and eventual return to the first-team fold at Elland Road.

As Darko Gyabi aims to secure his first full season of regular senior football under the guidance of Wayne Rooney at Plymouth Argyle, his consistent form has caught the attention of coaches in the England setup.

Gyabi, a key figure for Plymouth this season, had already been a regular presence in the England U20s Elite League squad, showcasing his talent and potential. However, his impressive displays have earned him a well-deserved promotion to the England Under-21 squad for the upcoming international break.

The announcement of Gyabi’s call-up to the U21s was confirmed by Plymouth Argyle, marking an exciting step forward in the young midfielder’s career. This reshuffling of England’s youth ranks sees Gyabi now taking his place in a more prestigious group, highlighting his development and growing stature in English football.

For Gyabi, this promotion is a clear sign of the trust placed in his abilities by both his club and national team coaches. With his performances continuing to impress at Plymouth, he will now have the opportunity to showcase his talents on an even bigger stage with the England Under-21s, making the most of this international opportunity as he continues to progress.

Having had his half-season loan at Plymouth Argyle cut short last term due to injury, Darko Gyabi returned to Home Park this season with renewed determination and under new management. This time, he’s had the chance to fully integrate into the team, and he’s been a consistent presence for the Pilgrims under Wayne Rooney’s leadership.

So far, Gyabi has featured regularly for Plymouth, making a significant impact in the heart of midfield. He has only missed one match this season, and that was due to ineligibility for the game against his parent club, Leeds United, when Plymouth suffered a tough 1-0 defeat at Elland Road on November 2nd, failing to register a single shot.

Despite the team’s struggles, with Plymouth fighting to avoid relegation, Gyabi has been a bright spot in their campaign. His performances have been solid, showcasing his technical skills, passing range, and defensive abilities. This has made him one of the standout players for the relegation-threatened side, and his growth as a regular senior player has caught the attention of both club and country. His consistency and resilience on the pitch will be crucial as Plymouth battles to stay in the Championship.

The £5million deal that brought Darko Gyabi from Manchester City to Leeds United remains a potential long-term investment, but so far, it hasn’t fully paid off for the club. Signed in the summer of 2022, Gyabi was seen as a promising talent with immense potential, but his time at Elland Road has been somewhat limited.

At just 20 years old, Gyabi is still developing and gaining valuable experience, especially through his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle this season. Leeds, who have had to endure some challenges of their own in recent times, are hopeful that Gyabi’s time away from the club will help him mature into a player who can contribute significantly in the future.

Given his youth and the fact that he is playing regular first-team football, Gyabi’s value and ability to make an impact at Leeds is still very much in the balance. If he continues to progress under Wayne Rooney at Plymouth, it could pave the way for him to return to Leeds and fulfill his potential, making the £5million investment worthwhile in the long run. For now, the club must remain patient as they monitor his development and await the rewards of their faith in his talent.

If Leeds United can continue to allow Darko Gyabi the platform to develop away from Elland Road, there’s a strong chance he could become a valuable asset to the club in the future. His regular appearances for Plymouth Argyle under Wayne Rooney—despite the Pilgrims’ struggles at the bottom of the Championship—demonstrate his growing potential. Gyabi’s ability to still catch the eye, even in a side that has been relegation-threatened, suggests that his quality shines through regardless of the team’s struggles.

For Leeds, the hope is that Gyabi’s continued development will either result in him being ready to make a meaningful impact in their first team or, at the very least, increase his market value. Should he continue to impress at Plymouth and return to Leeds as a more refined player, the Whites would likely have a player who can contribute both on the pitch and financially if the club decides to move him on in the future. At the very least, they would hope to recoup most, if not all, of the £5million they paid for him—making the deal worthwhile from both a sporting and financial perspective.

Leeds United’s patience with Gyabi could ultimately pay off, especially as the midfielder continues to get vital senior experience and shows the promise that caught the club’s attention in the first place.