On 22 September 2011, Pugh rejoined Simon Grayson's Leeds United on a three-month loan with the option to a permanent move. He made his second debut for Leeds the next day in a 3–3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. He scored his first goal of his second spell at Leeds in a 1–0 victory over Portsmouth at Elland Road on 1 October. He scored his second goal in consecutive games in a 3–0 win over Doncaster Rovers on 14 October. Due to the injury to Jonny Howson, Pugh moved into a central midfield position. He signed for Leeds on a two and a half-year deal on 2 January 2012.