Archie Gray wanted by ‘much bigger’ clubs amid Leeds United development
Archie Gray was wanted by “much bigger” clubs before he signed his first professional contract with Leeds United, according to his agent, Hayden Evans.
The 17-year-old penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Yorkshire club on 17 March after breaking into the first team at the age of 15 in November 2021.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Phil Hay show, Evans has revealed there was interest from clubs higher up the food chain and in Europe.
“He’s committed his immediate future to Leeds and there was a lot of genuine interest from much bigger clubs frankly and clubs on the continent,” said Evans (Phil Hay Show, 21m 22s, 14 April).
“But Leeds is where he wants to be it’s as simple as that.”
Good work
It seems like an excellent business from the club to get Gray tied down. Although it’s only a two-and-a-half-year deal, it protects Leeds from losing the youngster for a nominal fee. At present, it’s unlikely the midfielder will see too much gametime between now and the end of the season.
If Leeds were sitting in midtable and not at risk of being relegated, then there’s a chance the midfielder would’ve been given a runout. Nonetheless, regardless of Leeds’ league status, we will almost certainly see more of the 17-year-old come the 2023/24 season.
All of Javi Gracia’s focus will now be on the Whites’ fixture against Liverpool on Monday evening (17 April). The Reds are heading to West Yorkshire off the back of an impressive draw against Arsenal; a game they probably should have won.
It’s essential Leeds manage the game and don’t go too gung-ho in the early stages. An early goal for Jurgen Klopp’s side could be fatal.
In other Leeds United news, Ian Wright cannot believe his eyes after footage surfaces of a Leeds player on social media.