Leeds provide reasoning for Archie Gray’s sale to Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United for a sum reported to be around £40 million after a lot of confusion regarding the talented youngster’s future.
He was heavily linked with Aston Villa, but a transfer did not work out. Gray then travelled to Brentford for a medical, but Thomas Frank’s side saw their bid turned down by Leeds.
Tottenham eventually put a stop to the rumours swirling around his future by landing him from Leeds United, who have explained their decision to sell Gray, according to Leeds United News.
The club published the following statement after the 18-year-old’s departure for London:
“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.”
Leeds United needed to make a sale before July 1st in order to mitigate the risk of breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Although Gray’s transfer was announced on July 2nd, both clubs have done the paperwork necessary to reflect the transaction as official on the appended date.
Joe Rodon also went to Leeds United, though in a separate deal worth £10 million. Nevertheless, the £30 million net gain for the 49ers has been a positive injection for them.
Tottenham have also pulled off a deal which may prove to be a bargain, as Gray has committed to a six-year contract amounting to £3.6 million per year.
Ange Postecoglou has gotten the best out of a number of young players in his career, most notably at Celtic, and it will be interesting to see how Gray performs at Tottenham Hotspur under the Australian manager’s leadership.
The teenager is capable of playing as a right-back as well as a central midfielder, and with both positions requiring an injection of depth in the new season, Gray has the potential to be a very valuable signing.
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His move to Spurs being wrapped up in the early days of the transfer window also helps them plan well for next season, as Gray will be available for pre-season and can settle in well with the team.
