Archie Gray transfer regret claim made after swapping Leeds United for Tottenham
David Norris is “surprised” by the pace of Archie Gray’s transfer from Leeds United to Tottenham Hotspur, but says the teenager may have lived to regret his decision had he not moved.
Tottenham overcame the threat of Brentford to tie Gray down to a six-year deal, with an approximate fee of up to £30million plus Joe Rodon enough to turn Leeds’ hand.
Norris is pleased Leeds have been able to recoup a healthy sum for the 18-year-old hotshot, after he initially believed Gray would stay for another year at Elland Road.
Exclusively speaking to MOT Leeds News, the former Whites midfielder said: “I’m surprised. I thought he’d stay one more season, but it’s a massive move and one he can’t really say no to. He’d maybe have regretted it if he didn’t take the opportunity.
“I know Leeds had to raise a certain amount by the end of June, but I envisaged some of the other players like Crysencio Summerville or Willy Gnonto leaving first.
“Leeds are a bigger club than Brentford, but when you’re going between two big clubs in Leeds and Tottenham, it’s a big move and one where I think he’ll progress well.”
Leeds United starlet Archie Gray chooses Tottenham
With Ange Postecoglou willing to give young talent chances in the first team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Leeds United fans will be rooting for Gray to enjoy a stellar time at his new club and one suspects he’ll get given plenty of minutes to shine.
Gray has a laid back and fearless approach, and took to his breakthrough season in Championship football like a duck to water.
At Tottenham, he’ll be expected to hit the ground running but for the money Spurs have invested and the length of contract Gray has been awarded, there will be a project in place for him and a strong faith that the 18-year-old will pass the tough task with flying colours in adapting to the Premier League and Europe.
Whilst it will be a tall order to replace Gray even at his tender years, Leeds will feel as if the structure is in place to maintain the key spine of the squad.
Daniel Farke will now want to keep hold of several of his other high-profile performers with promotion an absolute must in 2024-25.
For Gray, it’s clear whose results he’ll be checking first as he gets into the Spurs dressing room at full-time each weekend.
In other Leeds news, Glen Kamara is on the verge of departing Elland Road in another midfield loss.
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