Leeds United: Archie Gray wanted in France as Elland Road transfer news emerges
OGC Nice were interested in Leeds United star Archie Gray in the transfer window but a move never materialised, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper reported via its website [28 February] that the Ligue 1 club were targeting the 17-year-old Elland Road sensation but were not able to afford him.
Instead, Gray signed a new contract at Elland Road, which will see him stay with Leeds until June 2028. His previous deal was set to expire in 2025. [BBC Sport]
Leeds United secure Archie Gray’s future at Elland Road
The 17-year-old has emerged as an incredible asset under David Farke and has proven his adaptability after being shifted from his natural midfield role to right-back to combat injuries.
However, the injured players have returned and Gray has remained in the defensive position, impressing throughout the current campaign.
He even managed to net his first senior goal for the club, lashing home against Leicester City on Friday 23 February and helping to close the gap on the Championship leaders.
Despite only having 38 appearances to his name, Gray is now one of the first names on the teamsheet, starting 30 of Leeds’ 34 league matches so far. Leeds fans will count their lucky stars that Nice were unable to afford the youngster.
It is not every day that a young player of Gray’s ability and prospect comes along, and Leeds need to savour it, with plenty of interest bound to come along in the summer, especially if the club are somehow unable to achieve promotion to the Premier League.
Gray will likely hope that he can begin to return to midfield but with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev also in the squad, it could be a while until he vacates the right-back spot on a regular basis.
In other Leeds United news, a player made his mind up to leave the Whites months ago as Phil Hay shares an update from Elland Road.
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