Jamie Shackleton sends five-word message as Leeds United exit is confirmed
Outgoing Leeds United star Archie Gray was farewelled by former team-mate Jamie Shackleton after completing his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.
Having posted a lengthy departure message of his own on Instagram (2 July) following the announcement of his move to north London, Gray received a five-word message from Shackleton wishing him well.
Shackleton said “all the best my boy” after Gray exited Elland Road after just one season in United’s first-team, signing for Spurs for £40million after the Whites failed to win promotion from the Championship [Graham Smyth, 1 July].
While Gray’s departure has been sealed for a significant fee, Shackleton’s future is still up in the air following the expiry of his contract with a move to Sheffield United reportedly in the works [LeedsLive, 2 July].
Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton set for Leeds United transfers
Several ex-Whites joined Shackleton in bidding Gray farewell, with Lewis Bate and Finlay Gorman, who have sealed their own Elland Road exits in recent weeks and months, also leaving comments on his post.
Gray departing for a significant £40million fee looks likely to give United much more financial flexibility going forward, and it remains to be seen how that affects their transfer activity this summer [David Ornstein, 1 July].
It could also have a significant bearing on the future of Shackleton, a player who, like Gray, has been used in both central midfield and as a full-back during his time in the first-team.
The 18-year-old, having played over 50 times last season, therefore leaves a hole in more than one position, and that has the potential to tempt both the club and Shackleton into agreeing a new contract.
After several seasons in a bit-part role, Shackleton’s first focus should be on getting regular game time [Adam Pope, 27 June], but if he now feels he’ll get that at Elland Road, could he end up staying put this summer?
In other Leeds news, an update on the future of Crysencio Summerville has been shared by Graham Smyth.
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