‘Real Maturity’ – Leeds United Starlet Makes Big Impression On Loan Boss | OneFootball

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Walsall boss Lee Grant believes Leeds United loanee Charlie Crew will strengthen his squad both on and off the pitch, while also highlighting the midfielder’s composure in possession.

The 20-year-old joined Leeds United’s academy from Birmingham City in 2022 and has since established himself as a regular figure within the club’s youth set-up.

Last summer, Crew returned to League One side Doncaster Rovers, having also spent the 2024/25 campaign with the club.

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Vikings boss Grant McCann was full of praise for the qualities Crew possesses following his return to the Eco-Power.

Regular opportunities, however, proved difficult to come by, with the midfielder restricted to just seven appearances in League One before Leeds opted to cut short his loan spell in January.

Crew spent the remainder of the campaign back at Elland Road, where he resumed his involvement with the club’s academy set-up.

The midfielder has now joined Walsall on a season-long loan in search of consistent first-team opportunities in League Two.

Grant suggested Crew’s influence will extend beyond his performances on the pitch, revealing Walsall were equally impressed by the midfielder’s character throughout their assessment process, while also praising his maturity and determination to continue developing this season.

He also hailed Crew’s promotion-winning experience in League Two and his exposure to the division above, while stressing the midfielder’s calmness in possession, with those attributes set to add another valuable dimension to his midfield options.

Grant told Walsall’s official website: “We’ve put a lot of work in to understanding Charlie both as a player and as a character and we are certain he will boost us on both fronts.

“He’s shown a real maturity in our conversations and there is a clear desire to develop and take a step forward this season.

“He has experience of a promotion in Sky Bet League Two as well as playing in the league above in his most recent loan spell.

“He plays with a calmness on the pitch and he adds another important layer to our options in the midfield area.”

Crew still has two years remaining on his Leeds contract, with the Whites set to closely monitor his progress at Walsall throughout the campaign.

Should his spell unfold in a similar fashion to last season’s loan at Doncaster Rovers, an early return to Elland Road cannot be ruled out.