Phil Hay says ‘sensational’ Leeds player took ‘reduced money’ to stay at Elland Road in 2023

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Leeds United may not have made any signings yet but they have got to work on tying some youngsters to new contracts.

Archie Gray put pen-to-paper on a new four-and-a-half-year deal to extend his stay at Elland Road until 2028, with his previous contract having been set to expire in 18 months’ time.

Mateo Joseph then followed him on Friday evening by signing the same length of contract, with Daniel Farke having handed him a couple of opportunities from the bench in recent weeks.

But it is the extension of Gray that will come as really good news for Leeds supporters. Playing both as a right-back and in central midfield, he has started 26 matches in all competitions in his breakthrough season at the club.

Gray has already been attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs but that speculation has dated back to even before he was playing for Leeds’ first team.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Phil Hay says Gray actually took ‘reduced money’ than was being offered elsewhere, when he signed his first professional deal last year.

Gray showing Leeds loyalty

“My understanding was that the previous contract did have a release clause provision in it. I can’t say for certain on this one, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it did to some extent. If it does, it will be set at a very high level.

“Gray couldn’t sign professional terms until he turned 17, so as soon as he turned 17, he did. There were about five or six other clubs interested. He took reduced money at Leeds in the sense when you compare to what he was offered elsewhere because he wanted to stay.

“When you are 17 you can only sign for a certain length of time which meant his deal would’ve been up in 2025, which is a bit close for comfort. It was always going to be the plan to get him on a much more substantial and better contract as soon as he approached 18. Our understanding is that it activates when he turns 18.”

Gray’s decision to turn down bigger offers from elsewhere has certainly paid off as it is unlikely he would’ve played anywhere near as much football than he has at Leeds this season.

The 17-year-old is undoubtedly one of, if not the best talent to come out of the academy in many years and Whites teammates have recognised that this season.

One day Gray will be fighting for the top honours in the game having already admitted his desire to win the Champions League, but hopefully Leeds can enjoy him for many years to come yet.