The 18-year-old becomes the second Brighton player to join Leicester on loan this summer, following winger Tommy Watson's arrival earlier in the window, according to the BBC. Howell's new contract at Falmer stadium runs until June 2029, with Brighton keen to secure his long-term future before sending him out for regular first-team football.
Howell has been on Brighton's books since joining their academy at the age of seven, and describes himself as equally suited to a right-wing role or playing as a number 10. He made his senior debut in the Premier League defeat to Liverpool in April 2025 and has represented England at Under-19 level.
His involvement in Brighton's first-team picture last season went beyond his four Premier League appearances. He started their defeat to Crystal Palace in February, scored in a Carabao Cup tie at Barnsley and added two assists across his two appearances in that competition.
At Under-21 level, he was on target in a penalty shootout win over Reading in the EFL Trophy, having made his debut for that age group at 15 after first appearing for Brighton's Under-18s against Leicester at just 14.
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said the move to Leicester, now playing in League One after back-to-back relegations, gave Howell a chance to build on the exposure he had to the first-team environment last term.
"We are very excited by Harry's potential and look forward to seeing him continue to progress over the coming year," Cave told the club website.
Howell becomes Leicester's ninth summer signing, part of a major rebuild under Russell Martin following successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship that have left the Foxes preparing for life in the third tier for the first time since 2008-09.
The loan marks his first departure since he began his youth career there, and gives Martin another attacking option to call upon as Leicester open their League One campaign away at Notts County on Saturday, with an immediate return to the Championship the stated aim.