Leeds United protect their asset with ‘vultures’ due for Archie Gray – pundit
Archie Gray deserved to be rewarded for his excellent form with a new contract but Leeds United have also protected their asset at the same time, says Paul Robinson.
The Whites locked the teenager into a new long-term deal that runs to 2028 during the January transfer window, with his previous deal set to expire at the end of next season [The Athletic, 16 January].
Having only broken into the side from the youth set up at the start of the campaign Robinson feels it was inevitable that the youngster had to be offered improved terms since he is already a regular first-team starter already for Daniel Farke.
But with transfer interest starting to materialise [Daily Mail, 10 November] he admits it is only a matter of time before “vultures” start circling to move for the midfielder, who is currently the regular starting right-back, so the contract news also strengthens the club’s negotiating position when the time comes.
“The main motivation is keeping one of the best young talents in England at the moment,” the former England keeper exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“He’s a fantastic talent, the way that he’s come into the team and played this season, so also rewarding him as well.
“The player deserves to be rewarded and on a salary that matches the rest of the first-team and starting XI because that’s what he is now. He plays week in and week out.
“Yes the club are protecting their asset further down the line because the vultures will come after him, that’s natural, that’s what happens.“
“With the quality of the player and how he’s playing bigger clubs around England and the world will look at him without a shadow of a doubt, clubs in the Champions League.
“Because of his age and how he’s adapted to playing first-team football, and the quality of player that he is.”
Gray contract reward for one of England’s top talents at Leeds United
There have been a few rough outings but for the most part Gray has arrived in the Leeds United first team as a 17-year-old looking like a player of a decade older.
His family links to the club will perhaps keep his focus at Elland Road longer than a comparable talent who isn’t following in the footsteps of Frank, Eddie and Andy, but it seems certain the biggest sides in England will soon be putting offers on the table.
If Farke can get the Whites back to the Premier League this year then it could stave off a transfer for some time, but if the German is unsuccessful it is a struggle to see the teenager remaining outside the top flight for long with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham among those already interested.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites loanee wants a permanent deal to stay at Elland Road according to Phil Hay.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.