Leeds United News can exclusively reveal the latest on Harry Gray’s stance on extending his contract with the club amid speculation over his future.
Harry Gray is one of the most highly rated young talents in England and was recently named in a list of the 20 most talented young players in the Premier League.
Having been named in a matchday squad by Daniel Farke before his 17th birthday, Gray joined the likes of James Milner in an exclusive club at Leeds.
Leeds United News previously revealed that Gray was on the verge of agreeing a new deal. However, there is some anxiety among the Leeds fanbase, as his birthday passed without him signing an improved contract.
Now, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, our transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Gray has an agreement in principle to extend his stay at Leeds, despite interest from rival clubs in the Premier League.
Latest update on Harry Gray’s Leeds United future
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey explained that the market for young English stars is more competitive than ever, thanks to new restrictions on deals for young players from overseas.
While this means that Leeds could face increased competition to retain Gray, Bailey believes the young forward has his heart set on staying at Elland Road. He said: “I haven’t heard anything more from it.
“I still believe it’s agreed in principle, and everything was agreed some time ago. I think if he was going to go, he’d have gone in the summer, but football’s a funny game.
Harry Gray for Leeds Under-21s this season:
- Played: 4
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
“What I would say is if Chelsea lost Rio Ngumoha, then anyone can lose anyone in English football. The thing people have to remember is that the 16-year-old market in England is fervent because English clubs can no longer go abroad. They can’t get the 16-year-olds from Barcelona’s academy anymore.
“They can’t go to South America and get the 16-year-olds. They’re not allowed to do it till they’re 18; it’s only a two-year gap, but it’s a massive gap.
“He’s [Gray] not even thinking about elsewhere from what I heard, you know. He knows he’s going to get more football at Leeds, more than anywhere else if he moves. It’s agreed in principle.
“All clubs are very nervous. Whilst they have a 16-year-old, they’re very nervous.”
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Leeds United cannot afford a repeat of Finlay Gorman
The Leeds academy has a long tradition of producing exceptional talent, with Harry Gray the latest to follow in the footsteps of his brother Archie Gray and compete for a place in the top flight.
Leeds realised a significant profit on Archie Gray, selling him to Tottenham in a big-money deal, and his talent has been recognised with a nomination for the prestigious Golden Boy Award.
However, Leeds missed out on a similar windfall on teenager Finlay Gorman, who was named alongside Harry Gray in the Guardian’s NextGen talent list.
Gorman joined Manchester City as a 15-year-old, and Leeds received a fee of around £5 million for their young player. Leeds need to tie Gray down as a priority to avoid a repeat of Gorman’s unplanned departure.
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