Leeds United have confirmed the sale of youngster Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £40million.
Gray, 18, had a breakout campaign in the Championship as he made 44 league appearances under Daniel Farke.
The Leeds boss deployed the academy star in midfield and at right-back when required, with his ability allowing him to adjust to senior football easily.
His quick feet, sharp body movements and ball-carrying ability quickly made him a hit with the Elland Road faithful – regardless of his family ties to the club.
However, with Leeds missing out on promotion, there was always a chance that Gray would be one of a few stars leaving over the summer.
The England youth international chose Tottenham, with Joe Rodon joining Leeds in a move the other way.
- READ MORE: Who is Joe Rodon? Inside the life of the Leeds United loanee turned summer transfer target
Archie Gray first words on Tottenham transfer
Following on from the confirmation on his deal, Gray sat down with Tottenham’s media team to discuss his move.
He told the official Spurs social media: “Really excited, you know it’s obviously a massive club and an opportunity I couldn’t really turn down and I’m just really excited to play and get started with the team.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet, to be honest, and I don’t think it will for the next few days and until we’ve played a few games, until I’ve got to meet everyone, it won’t have sunk in and I’m just really excited and looking forward to it and it’s a massive opportunity for me so I’m really excited.”
When asked about the approach from Tottenham, he added: “When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and the Europa League this year, I couldn’t really turn it down.”
It appears as though Gray was also convinced to make the switch by Ange Postecoglou, the Tottenham boss behind the project being built.
On the former Celtic manager, he said: “I’m not going to lie to you, I’m a massive Celtic fan so I love him [Ange Postecoglou] and my whole family loves him and I haven’t really said this to be fair.
“He’s also a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well and I’ve still got loads to learn because I’m only 18, so very important.”
- READ MORE: Get to know Archie Gray, the promising Leeds United star linked with European giants transfer
Archie Gray potential
There’s no denying that Gray has the potential to reach the heights, hence the big move after just one season of senior football.
Unfortunately for Leeds, that future doesn’t currently lie at Elland Road, however, there will still be positives to take from the deal.
Not only the fact that Rodon returns, as well as a financial boost, but Gray’s move can inspire the next generation that making the way through The Whites’ academy is the path to a successful career.
It may be a huge blow to the squad now, but the years ahead could show the deal to be a necessary one with positives that came from it.
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