Leeds United: Archie Gray issues update on his future amid Liverpool, Tottenham interest
Archie Gray doesn’t appear to have any intention of leaving Leeds United in the near future despite transfer links to Premier League giants.
The Whites teenager spoke to Sky Sports (19 March) and indicated that his intention was to play in the top flight with his boyhood club and look to win trophies.
That should come as a significant relief to the fanbase after the midfielder’s breakout debut campaign saw him become a target for the likes of Liverpool [Daily Mail, 10 November] and Tottenham [Mail, 8 January] almost immediately, as well as for a switch at international level.
Gray said of playing for Leeds United in the Premier League (3m 40s): “It would mean a lot to me because that is the goal that everyone’s got here. But especially being from Leeds, that’s where the club deserves to be and should be.
“I want to try and win trophies with Leeds, that’s what I’ve always dreamed of as a kid, and playing for England’s first team is another one that every kid from England dreams of.”
Leeds United academy product focused on Elland Road success
The downside of doing well for any team outside of the absolute elite in world football is that it increases the risk of being picked off by those further up the food chain.
Although Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit might have changed the attraction of an Anfield move slightly it would be no shock for players in the Championship to be seduced by the chance of a move to the top of the Premier League.
But it certainly sounds like Gray’s priority is to cement his status at Leeds United for now, and as things stand he looks to be closing in on achieving his goal of playing in the Premier League for the Whites.
Kalvin Phillips’ departure to Manchester City two summers ago shows that it can’t be assumed that Gray would remain a one-club man forever, even if the former local favourite’s increasingly miserable fortunes since his Elland Road exit might make his successor think twice.
It would admittedly be surprising if he didn’t but there is no guarantee that Gray will continue to improve automatically as he gets older so it is possible that the transfer threat might subside.
On the other hand it is possible that if he does keep developing in the same direction that the situation is taken out of his hands, as an offer Leeds United can’t refuse could arrive.
But ahead of what promises to be an eventful summer transfer window whether Daniel Farke takes this side up or not it should come as some relief that Gray looks focused on Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has issued an update on the chance of the Championship title race being effected by EFL points deductions.
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