Leeds United are losing one of their prized academy talents to Tottenham in 16-year-old striker Oliver Boast, but and it should serve as a reminder for the club as to what happens next for Harry Gray.
Leeds’ Thorp Arch academy has always been one of the strongest in the country, with talented players making their way into the senior game one way or another as they progress their careers.
An issue in the modern game for Leeds is that some of these players see their development better off at other clubs, typically further up the ladder, and if they’re under 17, the Whites are powerless to stop it.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Oliver Boast set to leave Leeds United for Tottenham in “seven figure” deal
The Athletic revealed on Thursday that Leeds are set to lose 16-year-old England youth international Oliver Boast in a seven-figure deal.
A year on from signing Archie Gray for £40million, Tottenham are the side that have pursued a deal for striker Boast, agreeing a fee with Leeds.
With the two clubs agreeing to a fee, it means that Spurs and Leeds have avoided taking the matter to a tribunal to decide a training compensation sum over the player.
Leeds United given timely Harry Gray contract reminder after seeing England youth talent poached
It’s a sad reality of not being at the top of the food chain that Leeds will continue to lose players of Boast’s calibre if a bigger club comes calling, as they also did when Finlay Gorman left at 15 for Manchester City in a reported £5million deal.
Another player that is vulnerable to being poached by top clubs is Harry Gray, the man in front of Boast in the Thorp Arch pecking order, also 16 and unable to pen professional terms until his 17th birthday in October.
(Action Images/Matthew Childs)
Boast’s exit for a seven-figure fee serves as a reminder of what Leeds will certainly already be aware with and lining up – a professional contract for Gray.
The key difference between Gray and other academy talents to leave before their 17th birthday is that he’s already experienced first team football, making his senior debut on the day Leeds secured promotion, while being around the squad all season under Daniel Farke.
Not to mention the history his family have with the club and the strong connection that comes with it, perfectly encapsulated when a tearful Eddie Gray was spotted in the West Stand as his great nephew entered the pitch against Stoke City.
The fact Leeds have a 16-year-old leaving for at least £1million strongly suggests he’s a very bright talent, and the fact he doesn’t see himself getting a look in because there’s an even brighter talent in front of him speaks volumes of the calibre of player Leeds could have on their hands with Gray.