Archie Gray picked Leeds United over Manchester City amid bizarre contract agreement – Phil Hay
Archie Gray chose to stay at Leeds United despite interest from Liverpool and Manchester City after finding a bizarre agreement with the club, according to Phil Hay.
Writing on The Athletic website (23 May), the journalist reports that the two Premier League heavyweights showed interest in the Elland Road starlet during his development at Thorp Arch as a teenager.
But Gray always wanted to cut his teeth in the first-team at Leeds and opted to stay in Yorkshire after it was agreed that if the club matched a certain percentage of the lowest offer received from elsewhere, he would sign for them at the first opportunity.
He therefore signed professional terms on his 17th birthday and has since penned a new contract on improved terms after becoming a key member of Daniel Farke’s side.
Archie Gray could become a Leeds United legend
Gray has had a head start when it comes to being loved by Whites fans because of the family tree that he comes from and their legacy before him.
But the second youngest Gray is making a name for himself with his performances in the Championship this season, and he recently became the youngest player in the club’s history to make 50 appearances for the club.
His quality has been on display all season and it’s no shock that he has been linked with a move to clubs like Real Madrid and the Premier League giants.
But the midfielder and makeshift defender has made it clear he sees his future at Elland Road in the immediate future at least, so fans shouldn’t worry.
Without promotion to the Premier League it may be difficult if big offers come in, but there will be a decision to be made for a player who could go on to become a club legend.
In other Leeds news, the club want to sign this international centre-back in a brand new transfer.
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.