Robbie Fowler issues ‘brutal’ Archie Gray verdict after Leeds United exit
Robbie Fowler said Leeds United selling Archie Gray is the “brutal reality” of failing to gain promotion last season.
Gray’s £40million exit to Tottenham from the Whites this summer was one that few expected but was a decision taken with an eye on meeting PSR regulations.
Former Leeds striker Fowler shared his thoughts on Gray’s exit as part of his Sunday Mirror column [21 July, page 73].
“Sadly, for fans at Elland Road, that’s just the brutal reality of not being in the Premier League,” Fowler wrote.
“If they’d gone back up I’m certain Gray may have stayed. The Gray family will probably have mixed emotions, too. Especially Leeds legend Eddie.
“But until Leeds are an established Premier League club again, losing players like Archie is the price you pay.”
Leeds United may live to regret sale of Archie Gray
A big exit was expected from Elland Road this season but nobody thought it would be 18-year-old Gray that would be departing.
Names such as Illan Meslier and Crysencio Summerville were the ones that were thrown around at the start of the window but interest in the duo seems to have died down of late despite interest from Rennes [Sam C, 20 July].
The 2023/24 season was the first senior season of the youngster’s career and as he performed to a high standard, the £40m that the West Yorkshire outfit received more than helped get them over their PSR line.
As the midfielder is just 18 years old, Leeds could live to regret his sale.
Especially when it’s taken into account that for the vast majority of the season Gray was played out of his natural position in right-back.
Indeed, Jayden Bogle has been brought in to fill a void at right-back but the former Sheffield United man is five years his senior and is perhaps not as strong of a player.
However, at the time, Gray’s exit was seemingly needed amid PSR concerns.
In other Leeds news, the Whites’ stance on the future of Illan Meslier has been revealed.
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