Leeds United face ‘almighty backlash’ as ​​Tottenham confirm £40m Archie Gray move

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their second signing of the summer after announcing that Archie Gray has completed a £40million move from Championship side Leeds United.

Gray set the Championship alight last season despite being just 17 for the most part, playing 52 times for the Whites. The casual observer may think that many of those appearances could have come from the substitutes’ bench given that he is a teenager, but they would be wrong – Gray has played the full 90 minutes for Leeds 41 times.

Able to play in midfield or at right-back, Gray has been described as a generational talent and England manager Gareth Southgate has already named him as a potential senior international going forward.

“There are some players with the Under-21s who are doing exceptionally well, especially in midfield,” Southgate said in May. “Cobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico (Lewis) were with us last time, Archie Gray from Leeds is doing very, very well I must say, so there are a number of players in that group that we could move. “

Gray looked set to move to Brentford, but after apparently agreeing a price, the Bees were unable to get the transfer over the line, with disagreements over the structure of the deal. Spurs got their man, with Joe Rodon going the other way in a separate deal worth around £10m.

Leeds United needed to sell this summer to comply with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules, although no deal had to be completed before July 1. However, Gray was not one the club wanted to part with.

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Leeds Live writer Beren Cross told football.london that supporters would have much preferred to sell Crysencio Summerville, and indeed almost every member of the squad, than Gray.

He said: “Archie Gray is one of the players who came out of last season with a high profile. The 18-year-old was named Young Player of the Season in the championship.

“His name is iconic in Leeds circles as Frank’s grandson and Eddie’s great-grandson and as a product of the academy he bleeds white. Although the supporters understand that money needs to be raised this summer, they would prefer to sell every player. team before parting ways with Gray.

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“While Summerville’s aspirations and trajectory are accepted, at 18, there is a belief that Gray can have several years with his boyhood club to develop before flying the nest. There is no denying that Gray can become a generational talent in England. Gareth Southgate has already started talking about himself after a full season of senior football.

“Any fee raised for him this summer could be doubled in another two years if Leeds can hold out. (Paraag) Marathe and the board know they will face an almighty backlash if Gray is sold this summer.”

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, where Alasdair and Rob talk all things Archie Gray, giving clicks Here! Chat Spurs in depth on your favorite podcast platform.

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