Leeds United: Journalist shares whether Archie Gray could sign for Liverpool this summer
Archie Gray and his family believe Leeds United is currently the right place for him despite them having a “very strong” relationship with some of the Liverpool hierarchy, according to Ben Jacobs.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on Sunday (25 February), the CBS journalist said it is clear within the 17-year-old’s family that his development needs to be a “patient one” and that any interested club is going to have to give a clear pathway and find a short-term solution for minutes through a loan deal.
Jacobs added that it’s unlikely the England U-20 international would get regular minutes if he made the move to Anfield as he believes the teenager knows that and is currently only thinking about matters at Elland Road.
“Some members of Liverpool’s hierarchy have a very strong relationship with the Gray family,” said Jacobs. “But it is clear within that family that the development of Archie Gray needs to be a patient one.
“The feeling from the player and the family is that Leeds is the right place for him at this moment in time. If anybody comes in for him in the summer, they’re going to have to give a clear pathway and potentially find a short-term solution for minutes through a loan.
“It’s unlikely if Gray signs for a club like Liverpool in the summer that he would be getting regular minutes. I think the player knows that and, at this stage, he is only really thinking about Leeds.”
Archie Gray likely to stay at Leeds United despite Liverpool interest
There has been plenty of speculation around Gray and his future since he broke into the Leeds team earlier this season.
The teenager has been an almost ever-present in the starting lineup during this campaign, having started the year in central midfield before being switched to right-back.
While the transfer talk isn’t going to go away any time soon as the Premier League’s biggest clubs have shown an interest in his services, the fact he is playing regular minutes with the Whites currently makes it an easy decision for him.
There is no doubt that he will have aspirations of competing for the biggest honours one day, but he’s 17 years old and is playing week in, week out in a team flying high in the Championship.
If Daniel Farke can guide his side to an immediate return to the Premier League this season, then he could be playing top-flight football in just a few months anyway, making a move away from Elland Road even more unlikely if that happens.
In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch shared a “heartbroken” Whites admission live on Sky Sports.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.