Matthew Chadder

Tue 16 January 2024 19:20, UK

Archie Gray has signed a new long-term contract keeping him at Leeds United until 2028, as per Phil Hay.

Writing via The Athletic (16 January), Hay has described the development as a “substantial agreement” for the West Yorkshire club.

The midfielder’s deal was set to expire in 2025, but he is now further committed his future to his boyhood club on the back of his breakthrough season with the Whites, which has seen him make 26 starts in all competitions, the most of any Leeds player before turning 18.

Gray’s impressive performances had caught the eyes of some of Europe’s elite, with the Daily Mail reporting online (10 November 2023) that Premier League side Liverpool were preparing a summer bid for the 17-year-old worth £40million.

Massive

It cannot be understated just how big this news is for Leeds United and the club’s supporters. Not only have they locked down an impressive talent for many years to come, which is a sign of intent, but when Premier League clubs do inevitably come sniffing around the player in the summer, it means the Whites will be able to charge a huge fee.

It is not often an academy graduate has the impact on a first-team which Gray has had, especially not an academy graduate who is yet to celebrate his 18th birthday.

Since being selected in a first-team Premier League squad at the age of 15, when he was named on the bench against Arsenal in December 2021, it would have been clear to many Leeds supporters that they had a real talent on their hands, and Gray has shown just how talented he is this season.

He is also progressing well on the international stage, recently making his England Under-20 debut, and he is certainly a player with the potential to go to the very top of the game, and Leeds will be delighted that he has committed his future to the club.

In other Leeds United news, one Sky Sports pundit has had his say as the club eyes a midfielder to join Farke’s squad this month.