Pundit urges Archie Gray to stay at Leeds United amid transfer speculation
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...
Paul Robinson has urged Archie Gray to consider leaving Leeds United on loan but wants the talented youngster to stay at Elland Road amid speculation about his future.
On 14 April, the Daily Record reported that Gray, 16, is attracting attention from clubs in England and is seen by many as a “hot property”.
Robinson, however, wants the attacking midfield sensation to stay put in West Yorkshire and look for a loan move once he’s ready.
“I can see him being at Leeds for a long time to come,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“I can also see him being loaned out to get some experience to play in front of crowds and play some competitive football.
“The Under-23s, for me, is a great arena to bring youngsters into but it’s one that you can get too comfortable in if you’re not breaking into the first-team squad.
“At 21 or 22, it creates a false environment for players to think they’ve made it but it’s like being made captain of the reserves, it’s the last thing you want to do.
“If you’re not in the first-team squad by then, it’s an issue.
“But I think Gray needs to go out and play competitive football.
“Have a season in the Under-23s and then when your opportunity comes, go out and play on loan where it matters, playing against people who have got bills to pay. And that’s really the making of a player.”
Gray celebrated his 16th birthday last month and despite being at the tender age of 15, he’d made two of Marcelo Bielsa’s benches in the Premier League this season.
He’s also played 11 times this term for the Under-23s in Premier League 2, scoring one goal which came against Manchester United.
Victor Orta has already waxed lyrical of the young talent, telling La Media Inglesa in October: “I want to be the first person on La Media Inglesa since in five years time you’ll be talking about this guy non-stop.
“I want to be the first and because I already had the answer prepared yesterday, I want to say the name of Archie Gray, our youth team player.
“He’s one of those players you see every, I don’t know. I remember Kun Agüero and saying ‘what is this?’ It’s something that happens once in a long time, so I wanted to mention Archie Gray.”
There’s no doubt Gray is a wonderkid – but will Leeds be able to hang onto him?
In other Leeds United news, this young prospect is quitting Leeds and turned out for his potential new club on Tuesday night.