Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has given his prediction on whether Archie Gray could one day return to Leeds United.
Gray completed a £40 million move to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday morning as he put pen-to-paper on a six-year-deal at the North London side.
Having spent 11 years in the academy and being part of a family with a huge legacy at Elland Road, Gray was the one player Leeds supporters really did not want to lose this summer.
In their official statement announcing his exit, Leeds described themselves as heartbroken to have had to let him go at such an early stage of his career.
However, with none of Leeds’ other sellable assets attracting anywhere as much interest as the 18-year-old, he was the one who the club had to let go.
Smyth makes bold prediction about Gray and Leeds
Losing their best academy players is something Leeds fans have had to become accustomed to since the turn of the century.
James Milner’s move to Newcastle United in 2004 is one that really mirrors Gray, leaving as an 18-year-old due to financial issues behind-the-scenes. If Gray goes onto enjoy the career Milner has, he will be happy.
Others in more recent times include Lewis Cook, Charlie Taylor and Kalvin Phillips, with the latter the only one who stayed long enough to be able to leave a lasting legacy at Leeds.
Three of those four players have been linked with returns to Elland Road during their careers, the most recent of which had been Phillips if Leeds had got promoted.
And speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, journalist Smyth believes there is a genuine possibility Gray one day returns to play for Leeds again, potentially alongside his brother.
He said: “I also don’t think it’s the last time we’ll see Gray on the back of a Leeds shirt, and I am not just talking about his brother Harry, I am talking about Archie himself. He still would love to comeback and play at Leeds, and he is young enough for that to be a possibility down the line.
“And I don’t even mean on loan from Spurs because I don’t think it is going to go like that. I’d be surprised if he found himself on loan in the Championship.
“I think he’ll play in the Premier League but somewhere down the line like Byram has done, that kind of scenario would very much appeal to Archie Gray. He still dreams of playing alongside his brother and if that could happen at Leeds he’d be over the moon I am sure.
“I don’t think the door is entirely closed on Archie Gray and Leeds, and he’s only 18. His career could span another 16/17 seasons if he’s lucky and looks after himself.”
Gray’s parting message shows he still loves Leeds
Despite reports Gray’s camp were left frustrated at Leeds’ handling of the situation, Gray could not hide his gratitude to everyone he has come across at the club during his 11 years.
It is clear just how loved he was by everyone whom he worked with and played alongside at Elland Road, and if he was ever to comeback, it would undoubtedly be an emotional deal.
He said: “I can’t thank everyone at Leeds United enough for the past 11 years, from all the coaches I’ve had from when I first came at seven years old, to all the coaching staff now.
“I have enjoyed every second of my time at the club and have so many memories for life, from watching in the stands to playing on the pitch. I would also like to say a massive thank you to all of the managers I have had, but especially Daniel Farke for trusting me this year and giving me the opportunity to play and teaching me so much about the game.
“I am so grateful for him and all the coaching staff. Along the way I have made great friends for life and I am also grateful for every teammate I’ve been with from the age of seven, to the teammates last season.
“And for the fans you are amazing and I can’t thank you enough for the support you have given me and hopefully Harry in the next few years to come. We will cross paths again.”
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