Leeds United plan new Archie Gray contract as soon as permitted amid transfer interest – Phil Hay
Leeds United will “preempt” being able to offer Archie Gray “tastier terms” on a new contract once he turns 18 in March, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist wrote for the outlet’s website on 13 December that it can’t be ruled out that the teenage star will still leave Elland Road at some point but after “outmanoeuvring” other clubs to get him signed to a professional contract the Whites have some control over the situation.
That is in stark contrast to the recent departure of Finley Gorman to Manchester City where Leeds were powerless to resist the move given he is 15 and too young to be signed to a pro deal, despite nobody at the club wanting him to leave.
Hay wrote: “Nobody at Leeds wants Archie Gray to go any time soon either. Fortunately, he occupies the middle ground between ‘Quick, take the readies’ and ‘********, what can we do?’.
“Leeds have him on a professional contract after outmanoeuvring the clubs who tried to get their claws into him when he turned 17 (and still would, given the chance). They will preempt the fact that when Gray turns 18 this March, the rules governing contracts allow them to sign him to tastier terms again.
“It is best not to put too much stock in Gray being a one-club man like his great uncle Eddie was for Leeds because, well, you know how it is, but it is good they have a degree of control over a scenario they wish to control.”
Safe, for now
Much as the Leeds United fans and hierarchy alike would love for Gray to continue the family tradition it seems like he might be the sort of talent that ends up at the top whether that is at Elland Road or elsewhere.
With Liverpool already thought to be interested in taking him to Anfield on the strength of less than half a season in the Championship those sort of options are only likely to increase if he keeps up his form.
Should Daniel Farke succeed in getting this side promoted to the top flight that would likely keep Gray secure in the Leeds set up for the short-term, but would also put him on a grander stage from which to generate greater interest.
Ultimately the club know that is the situation they are in with any player, it just feels more unfortunate when it comes to a homegrown player with family ties.
On the strength of his emergence as a key part of Farke’s side in his first run as a senior professional he is good value for an improved deal already so it is positive news for it to be on the cards at the earliest opportunity, with his birthday on 12 March.
The situations are clearly not quite the same but there was a new contract in the offing for months with a previous local favourite midfielder in Kalvin Phillips that never materialised, and he ended up leaving to sit on the bench at Manchester City.
Gray is comparatively unproven, but arguably has the potential to be even better, so strengthening the club’s position as early as possible is surely the right move.
In other Leeds United news, Hay has shared a confirmed January transfer update from Farke.