Leeds United’s ‘heartbreak’ at losing Archie Gray this month will have only been heightened after his first appearance for Tottenham.
Gray played the opening 45 minutes as Spurs defeated Scottish side Hearts 5-1 at Tynecastle in their first official pre-season friendly of the summer, in which former Leeds loanee Djed Spence registered a goal and an assist.
It was almost this time last year that Gray actually cemented his position as one of Leeds’ first choice midfielders in a match against the same opposition, and it would be fair to say he has not looked back since.
Leeds were able to bring in around £40 million for the sale of Gray to Spurs and while clearly it is good money for the club, watching him develop is going to be a tough sight.
If he continues developing at the rate he can, it won’t be long until his value sky rockets beyond the £100 million mark and it is a huge shame it won’t be at Elland Road.
Leeds fans react to Gray’s first match for Spurs
There was uproar across social media when news first broke of Leeds’ decision to sell Gray, though time and the addition of Joe Rodon has helped ease the pain somewhat.
However, after reading what many of Tottenham’s supporters have had to say about him after his first 45 minutes since leaving, the pain of watching him elsewhere has returned.
One supporter has actually described 49ers Enterprises as ‘absolute charlatans’ for their decision to sell him, mocking the fact some have said it’s a good deal.
Another said: “Ahh the Archie Gray Leeds should have built a team around. That once in a blue moon generational talent who will be worth double, if not triple his value by the time he’s 20… yeah that one.”
One then added that he simply cannot get his head around Gray in the shirt of another side that’s not Leeds, claiming it ‘makes him sick’.
- READ MORE: Leeds United are now ‘open’ to selling key first team player from last season, club are in talks
Gray is already impressing behind-the-scenes at Spurs
It is perhaps no surprise that Gray has shone in his first match for his new club, based on what is being reported about him behind-the-scenes.
It is said Gray has really impressed those at Spurs in his first couple of weeks at the club, seemingly taking to the elite environment like a duck to water.
Spurs have a plethora of players who play in his position at the club but it would not be a surprise if he establishes himself as first choice by the end of the season.
As much as Spurs fans may not want to admit it right now, they may well end up simply proving to be a stepping stone to an even bigger move in the future.
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