Reports this week claim Borussia Dortmund are one of a number of clubs interested in raiding Leeds United for teen sensation Archie Gray – and it could see him follow in Jude Bellingham’s pathway.
That is according to 90Min, who claim Dortmund are one of a number of big European sides keeping an eye on Gray ahead of January and next summer. Leeds are unable to hand Gray a new deal until he is 18.
The report also states that Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are also looking at Gray. But a move away from English football is also a possibility for the England U19 ace.
Leeds of course, are desperate to keep Gray at Elland Road. He has family heritage at the club in his Father, Grandfather and Great Uncle – Eddie Gray – all playing for Leeds. But, these are different times.
Not many players these days remain at one club for the entirety of their career. To realise his ambitions, Gray may feel that he needs to go and play for one of Europe’s biggest sides. He is of course, still 17.
Leeds teen Archie Gray can follow Jude Bellingham’s pathway
There is a long way to go. But, Bellingham is now one of Real Madrid’s best players and it came after a breakthrough into Birmingham City’s side in the Championship. It started in England’s second tier.
Bellingham had played 44 times for the Blues and literally only just turned 17 when he decided to join Dortmund, back in 2020. It was a move that paid off – Bellingham becoming a hero for the German side.
Three years at Dortmund, 132 games, and he joined Madrid. Gray has broken in at a similar age and by next summer, he will have played a similar amount of games at Championship level, to Bellingham.
So, Gray has the breakthrough at 17 at Championship level, and he will have played around 45 games by the end of the season, like Bellingham. He also has Dortmund interest. He could follow his footsteps.
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