Graham Smyth shares new Archie Gray exit admission after Leeds United transfer update
Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray “just might stay” at Elland Road despite missing out on promotion to the Premier League, according to Graham Smyth.
The teenager has already reportedly attracted plenty of interest from Premier League clubs [Fabrizio Romano, 29 May] after Daniel Farke’s side’s playoff defeat at the hands of Southampton at Wembley.
Although Paraag Marathe refused to rule out the possibility of the versatile midfielder leaving this summer, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth has admitted he thinks Gray may snub a potential move.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post (29 May) he said: “Gray’s camp and family have always been big on the following question – where will you play?
“Leeds will play him, as they did this season, whereas a big Premier League club might not, not to the same degree.
“Another year won’t hurt his career. But can Leeds withstand a big bid? Marathe wasn’t exactly bullish on that front. Despite that, and call me a foolish footballing romantic, I think he just might stay.”
Will Archie Gray leave Leeds United and Elland Road in the summer transfer window?
Leeds United supporters may as well just strap in because this story isn’t going to go anywhere throughout the entirety of the summer transfer window, such is the immense talent of Gray.
The teenager has stepped up and impressed under Farke this season to quickly become one of the Whites’ most important players, whether that be in his conventional midfield role or as a right-back when needed.
Gray’s performances in what is his first full season of professional football were always going to attract the interest of teams both in the Premier League and beyond, but that doesn’t mean that he will be desperate to jump ship.
The 18-year-old has personal and family ties with Elland Road and as Smyth said, it was one of the few clubs where he is guaranteed to play regular first-team football. All of that could potentially play into his decision-making.
Ultimately, everything will depend on what sort of offers arrive for his services and who they are from. Few fans would begrudge one of their own a move to Bayern Munich or Liverpool.
In other Leeds United news, a Kalvin Phillips transfer update has emerged at Elland Road after the playoff final defeat
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