Alan Brazil reacts to ‘Huge’ Leeds United transfer announcement at Elland Road
Alan Brazil has questioned where Archie Gray will play after leaving Leeds United to join Tottenham on Tuesday 2 July.
Speaking on talkSPORT (3 July, 6:28am) alongside Andy Townsend, the former Scotland international was unsure if Gray’s best position was as a full-back or in central midfield.
Gray completed a £40million switch to Spurs from Elland Road on 2 July, having impressed as both a midfielder and most often at right-back, for Daniel Farke’s side in the Championship last season [Graham Smyth, 1 July].
Brazil said: “I really do wish this kid well. I can’t work out if he’s a full-back or a midfield player at the moment.”
Townsend added: “It’s a huge move for him, it’s a great chance you know. It really is and hopefully, he does great.”
Archie Gray exit gives Leeds United two transfer questions
Gray’s aforementioned ability to excel in either the centre of midfield or at right-back gave Farke’s side an extra element of versatility last season, making 52 appearances including 44 in the Championship.
While Gray departing the club so early in the window has helped to assuage the club’s profit and sustainability worries, it also creates a problem in two positions, both of which will need addressing [David Ornstein, 1 July].
The Whites have plenty of time to add depth in both central midfield and at right-back in the coming weeks, but Gray’s exit means another option across these areas of the pitch will be needed.
Versatility, particularly in a division with as many games as the Championship, is a valued asset within any squad, thus losing Gray and the retiring Stuart Dallas leaves United lacking in this regard.
Jamie Shackleton, who can cover the same areas as Gray, could still stay put despite the expiry of his existing contract, but should he complete an expected move to Sheffield United, Farke will need to be on the hunt for players capable of slotting into multiple positions when needed [LeedsLive, 2 July].
In other Leeds news, the club are set to lose a chunk of any transfer fee they receive for one player this summer.
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