Leeds United: David James urges Archie Gray to join Liverpool in ‘smart’ transfer verdict
David James has urged Archie Gray to leave Leeds United in favour of a move to Liverpool in the summer amid plenty of interest in the 17-year-old.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper insisted that playing regularly for Leeds would have prepared Gray for the switch to Anfield with the expectation and pressure of playing for a big club.
James also shared that, despite his age, Liverpool’s record of handing opportunities to young talent means the 17-year-old could go straight into their team.
Speaking to GGRecon [22 February], James said: “For a young player to be able to show the ability and consistency in order to be in that side is impressive.
“Leeds are a big team, let’s be fair, and the expectation at Leeds, especially the Championship, is that they shouldn’t be there and should be in the Premier League.
“So in many ways, he’s learning what it would be like to play at Liverpool because the expectation at Liverpool is the same, but on a different level of course.
“Would it be better for him in the long-term to stay at Leeds United next season? I’m not sure. There have been a number of young players at Liverpool over the last few years who have been given a chance to play under Jürgen Klopp.
“Archie is still so young, so it could be a smart signing for Liverpool in the long run and it could be a good opportunity for the player himself.”
Would Archie Gray leave Leeds United for Liverpool?
At just 17 years old, Gray has been almost ever-present in Daniel Farke’s side, appearing in 31 of Leeds’ 33 Championship games so far this season.
Gray has been previously linked with Liverpool as well as Crystal Palace but signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Leeds in January.
Signing the new long-term contract was a display of his loyalty to the club for which both his dad and grandad also played – something that will, of course, be a factor in his decision-making.
However, especially if the club don’t manage to get promoted amid the tight battle for the automatic promotion places this season, interest from the likes of Liverpool could prove difficult to ignore.
James’ suggestion that he could immediately become part of the first-team squad at Anfield would surely be tempting given that the Reds are currently challenging for the Premier League title.
One thing is for sure, if Gray opts to make the switch to Liverpool, he should cost a pretty penny, which could be a good deal for the Elland Road side.
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