Leeds United transfer news emerges as Archie Gray verdict dropped by pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Leeds United gem Archie Gray will “no doubt” be a Premier League player in his career but a rumoured move there this season would be premature, according to Paul Robinson.
The Sun (24 September) has reported that Crystal Palace have been tracking the 17-year-old for a while, but his breakout season in the Championship has boosted their interest.
Gray, having played no senior minutes for the Whites last season, has become a mainstay in the Championship under Daniel Farke, starting the first nine games for Leeds in all competitions this season.
Robinson claims Gray is certainly capable of taking the step up to the Premier League now based on his start to the season, but warns against a hasty Elland Road exit as the opportunity for development and game time is invaluable compared to the possibility of getting lost in the pack at a top-flight club.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I have no doubt at all that Gray will be a Premier League player because he’s proved the quality that he’s got at this stage of the season already.
“We’re talking about somebody who’s very fledgling in his football career, it’s only just started. There are going to be suitors for him. There are going to be Premier League clubs that look at him because he’s a quality footballer and he’s shown that.
“For him at his age and his stage of development to play at a club like Leeds United is excellent for his career. To go into the Premier League now – is he capable of doing it? Yes, absolutely he’s capable of doing it.
“Is Crystal Palace a bigger club than Leeds United? I’d argue it’s not. The opportunity that he’s going to get at Leeds to play regularly in the Championship in a team that’s going to be challenging for honours in the Championship would for me far outweigh the opportunity to go to a mid-table lower-half Premier League club and not necessarily play all the minutes that you do now.
“We see the Premier League clubs with players of that type of ilk who will be loaned out back into the Championship because playing football is irreplaceable at that age.
“For him to be able to do that at a club the size of Leeds United where he’s come through the academy and where the manager clearly thinks he’s good enough and will play him every week as he’s shown this season.
“You can’t replicate that anywhere and it’s invaluable experience to play at that level.
“Whether he stays at Leeds United in years to come, there’s one thing that’s for certain, he will be a Premier League player at some point, but it’s too early.”
In other Leeds news, an ex-Whites star shows love to Leeds fans after what he did in a European league game.