Archie Gray exit verdict at Leeds United shared as Chelsea example raised
Paul Robinson believes Leeds United will be under no pressure to sell Archie Gray this summer even if they are unable to achieve Premier League promotion.
The 18-year-old has experienced a fantastic breakthrough at Elland Road this season, becoming a key player under Daniel Farke, prompting many clubs to sit up and take notice.
FootballTransfers reported [12 January] that Leeds’ not-for-sale stance on the club’s hottest prospect could change if Premier League promotion was not achieved this season.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson is confident that Gray’s future at Elland Road does not depend on the club’s Premier League status, though he did admit that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have been more than willing to give youngsters a chance so a move to a big hitter is not out of the question entirely.
“I don’t think they’d be forced to let him go if they got promoted, no. I think he’s just signed a new contract and I think it’s what the people around him feel is best for his development,” he said.
“With him being the best young player at the Championship’s end-of-season awards, it just adds to the accolades that he’s already got that are coming his way. There’s nothing you can say that hasn’t already been said about him.
“The manager’s put a lot of trust in him. I don’t think his future depends on if Leeds are in the Championship or the Premier League. I think it’s a club that’s very close to his and his family’s heart.
“He’s a player who’s got a huge future in the game, and these big teams aren’t going to go away if he stays with Leeds in the Championship next season. It’s about what he thinks, what he feels is the best for his own personal development, where he wants to get to and how quickly he wants to get there.
“Another season in the Championship would do him no harm whatsoever, or likewise moving to a bigger club but given the opportunity.
“We see the youngsters at Chelsea getting their opportunity, we see the youngsters at Manchester City getting their opportunity. ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ is the case for a lot of clubs nowadays.”
Will Archie Gray remain at Leeds United beyond the summer transfer window?
The 18-year-old has become an integral part of the squad at Elland Road this season, having started 39 Championship fixtures so far.
It is clear to see how much the club means to Gray, especially since he joined the club at Under-9s level and developed throughout the different age groups before earning his senior debut, while he has several family ties to the club.
Leeds are currently building something very special, with several young players hoping to lead the club to Premier League promotion this season.
Gray will likely be keen to play Premier League football with his boyhood club, and should not change even if he has to wait another season to claim promotion.
In other Leeds United news, Goodman suggested it could be time for a youngster to be handed his full league debut against Boro.
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