Leeds United have sent a message to the club’s supporters to explain the decision to sell Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis, after a deal was announced.
After a whirlwind weekend that saw Gray shoved from club to club, the 18-year-old has now officially signed on at Tottenham. The London club announced the deal, said to be £40m, on Tuesday morning.
It sees Gray depart Leeds after just one season in the first team, and sign a six-year deal with Ange Postecoglou’s men until the summer of 2030. It could see Gray play in the Europa League next season.
Of course, a deal also sees Leeds sign Joe Rodon on a permanent basis. The Wales defender returns to Elland Road after a hugely successful loan with Daniel Farke’s side last season, but fans are not happy.
The story of Gray’s move to Tottenham after hectic couple of days
It is believed that Leeds were required to make one big sale before the Profit & Sustainability deadline on July 1, which Tuesday still falls under as both clubs provided the required paperwork to show their intent.
But it comes after Aston Villa held talks with Leeds for Gray last week, before he travelled to Brentford on Saturday evening to do a medical. Leeds then rejected Brentford’s bid and Tottenham became favourites.
It allowed Leeds to enter negotiations and do a deal for Rodon. Leeds receive £40m for Gray, but spend £10m of it on Rodon. The club are in a much healthier position in terms of Profit & Sustainability Rules.
Leeds offer explanation to fans on club website after Gray sale
While The 49ers had little other choice in that there were no other offers on the table, and it sees Leeds rake in a big amount and Rodon, the loss of Gray hurts Leeds fans immensely given he is homegrown.
The latest of family dynasty at Elland Road. But the club have attempted to appease fans in a statement confirming Gray’s sale on the club website. They say that they understand the anger from the fanbase.
“Understanding attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.
“Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.
“Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home.”
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