Not earning promotion to the Premier League last season was a devastating blow to Leeds United. Remaining in the Championship for another campaign meant they had to say goodbye to talented players, one of whom was Archie Gray.
Gray played in 52 matches across all competitions for Leeds last season, recording two assists. However, the teenager was a versatile player, playing as a right back and all over the midfield at various points.
The Whites’ failure to secure promotion led to the departures of Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United, Georginio Rutter to Brighton & Hove Albion, and Gray to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, one journalist believes that losing Gray was a gut punch to the club, considering the player’s potential and the fact that he was one of their own, having come up through their youth system.
Journalist feels gutted for Leeds fans after Archie Gray exit
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey, in an interview with LeedsUnited.News, shared his thoughts on Leeds’ summer window. He feels it’s hard to view it in a positive light, especially after the club sold a player he believes has the potential to be as good as Steven Gerrard.
“Obviously, Leeds will be limited in what rating you can give them [on the window] because they lost Archie Gray,” Bailey told the outlet. “Losing someone who could’ve been the head of a golden generation at Leeds. With Red Bull’s deal, did Leeds really need to lose Gray? I am not convinced and I am gutted for Leeds fans.
“There will be some younger Leeds fans who won’t even realise he’s not a right back. He could be the new Steven Gerrard, he’s that good. I love Archie Gray. Daniel Farke probably knew that as well and I think he was gearing up to play him in midfield this season. That’s what I am hearing anyway, that he would have.”
Gray went to Spurs for reportedly about £30 million and signed a contract with the London-based club until 20230. Losing Gray will be one of those “what could have been” stories that many will ask themselves if Leeds had secured promotion last season.
