Darren Bent shares ‘different expectations’ Tottenham verdict for departing Leeds United ace Archie Gray
Darren Bent has suggested that Leeds United ace Archie Gray might have been better off moving to Brentford due to the potential for more game time.
This comes after the Whites agreed to a £40million deal with Tottenham (Ben Jacobs, 1 July) to acquire the services of the 18-year-old, whose move was confirmed on Tuesday (Tottenham, 2 July).
Former Spurs striker Bent stated that Gray might have been better served moving to the Bees as Tottenham might be looking to integrate him more slowly into the first team.
“He is versatile. Full-back, in central midfield, passes the ball, gets on the ball, comfortable in possession. Going into a dressing room like Tottenham where they are pushing for top four, it’s different expectations,” Bent said on talkSPORT [1 July]
“If he goes to Brentford, he maybe can settle in for a year and then obviously really kick on next year. I know he is ready to go now, but 18 years old – that’s still really young.
“Working with a coach like Ange Postecoglou, it is about potential and it is about maybe the years to come. But if he had gone to Brentford, I think he would have got in straightaway and probably played.”
What does the sale of Archie Gray mean to Leeds United
The deal that Leeds managed to strike with Tottenham is arguably one of the best that the Whites could’ve hoped for in a transfer no one at the club wanted to see.
Although both the fans and the board members didn’t want to lose the youngster, a fee worth around £40m and the fact that Joe Rodon will be returning to the club [Graham Smyth, July 1] is ideal.
One of the West Yorkshire outfit’s worries this summer was to fill the void left by Rodon as the Wales international had plenty of interest including from Premier League new boys Ipswich Town.
However, as something of a sweetener to persuade Leeds to accept their offer, Spurs added in the transfer of the centre-back who was one of the club’s most sought-after targets.
Gray’s exit is a big loss for the team but, with the influx of cash they’ve received for him, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Daniel Farke making more moves in the transfer market this summer.
In other Leeds news, an update on the future of Crysencio Summerville has been shared by Graham Smyth.
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.