Leeds United might have the new Jude Bellingham as ex-manager speaks out
Paul Lambert has compared Leeds United youngster Archie Gray to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
The ex-Ipswich Town manager has suggested the 18-year-old could benefit from leaving Elland Road.
Lambert said via the Mirror (page 67, 31 May), “I saw Archie Gray playing for Leeds at Leicester earlier this season and I thought ‘Wow, this boy’s some player.’
“Then I watched Leeds thump Norwich 4-0 in the play-off semi-final and I thought ‘You’d be brilliant for Dortmund at your age.’
“Jude is now a global superstar at Real Madrid, but his time with Borussia Dortmund gave him the platform for that. He thrived at Dortmund and look at him now.”
Will Archie Gray quit life under Daniel Farke at Leeds United?
If anyone knows what it takes to play for Dortmund, it is Lambert.
The 54-year-old won the UEFA Champions League with the German side in 1997 after beating Juventus 3-1 in the final.
And for Gray, it could well be the perfect move.
While plenty of supporters might argue that he is too young and not ready for such a switch, Bellingham’s time with the club would suggest otherwise.
The England international is only 20 years old and is already one of the biggest names in world football.
He rose to prominence after a string of impressive performances in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
And with Gray set to turn 19 midway through next season, there is no reason why the midfielder can’t do something similar.
Of course, supporters at Elland Road will be hopeful of keeping hold of Gray.
But if the club are forced to sell to ease their financial concerns, the fee Gray could attract would certainly help.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has instructed Farke to trust one player at the club more next season.
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