Statement released as Leeds United confirm loan exit for young defender

Leeds United Under-21s defender Reuben Lopata-White has joined National League outfit Altrincham on loan for the first half of the season.

The 20-year-old got his first taste of senior football on a six-month loan at Greenock Morton last season, having joined them in the January window. Overall, he played eight games for the Scottish Championship outfit, also featuring 16 times for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s and scoring in a 2-1 Premier League International Cup victory over Sporting CP.

Leeds have now confirmed a half-season loan for Lopata-White, who will join up with an Altrincham side whose National League campaign is already underway. Neil Gibson’s side lost 3-1 at home to Southend United last weekend and their new loan signing could make his debut at Sutton on Saturday.

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A club statement said: “Leeds United Under-21s defender Reuben Lopata-White has joined Enterprise National League side Altrincham on loan until January. The centre-half heads to Greater Manchester after enjoying a productive loan spell in the Scottish second tier last campaign with Greenock Morton.

“Gaining important experience in the senior game, the defender featured eight times in the Scottish Championship, as well as playing for the Whites’ Under-21s side in the EFL Trophy and National League Cup prior to that. The 20-year-old will now spend the coming months at the J. Davidson Stadium and is eligible to make his debut in their weekend fixture against Sutton United.

“Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Reuben well during his time away from the club.”

Lopata-White has 12 months remaining on a three-year contract he signed in the summer of 2024. He will return to West Yorkshire in January with six months left on those terms.