Leeds United: £80m Archie Gray transfer news drops at Elland Road as new deal on cards
Carlton Palmer has suggested Leeds United could insert an £80million release clause into a new contract for Archie Gray amid Premier League transfer interest.
The former Leeds man claimed that the club will want to protect themselves by tying the midfielder down to another new deal after he signed an extension in January, but this time with a release clause.
It is also said that if Daniel Farke guides Leeds to promotion to the Premier League, his value could “skyrocket” if his performances remain impressive.
Speaking to Football League World [21 March], Palmer shared: “The 18-year-old’s current deal has him with the club until 2028, but the club are looking to extend that even further.
“Leeds want to protect themselves, for sure, by tying him down to a longer-term contract, and I’m sure there would be a massive release clause in there.
“I would think there will be a break clause within that, should anybody come in for the player. Leeds would probably be looking for £70-80 million for him.
“Obviously, Archie Gray should be sensible enough to know that if Leeds United are promoted – and I think they will be – that he has the chance to play in the Premier League, whilst Leeds themselves will know that if he performs well, then his value skyrockets.”
Could Archie Gray leave Leeds United this summer?
An £80million release clause would certainly be one way to secure Leeds’ position should potential suitors come calling, while a new deal would also show their faith and belief in him in the long term.
Gray has been linked with big moves to Premier League teams, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Everton reportedly interested, and based on his performances this season, he would be more than capable of the step up.
However, given his attachment to the Elland Road club, as well as the new deal he signed just months ago, it’s hard to imagine he would be pushing for any move.
It’s not only his performances on the pitch that have made Gray stand out, it’s the maturity he shows both on and off of it that highlights exactly why he is so highly regarded both by fans and staff at Leeds.
The midfielder was spotted after Leeds’ 1-0 win against Stoke City signing autographs and speaking to fans outside Elland Road in a display that, despite the hype and talk surrounding him, he remains humble as a player and as a person.
In other Leeds United news, Robin Koch has made a new exit confession.
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