Leeds United are facing a new battle to keep an emerging Elland Road star at Thorp Arch ahead of the summer window with three of the Premier League’s biggest sides interested.
It was just last summer that Leeds were forced into cashing on a number of key players with The Whites unable to obtain promotion. Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter both left for massive £40m transfer fees.
Crysencio Summerville’s exit was slightly less than that, costing an initial £25m though Summerville could earn Leeds another £9m in add-ons if he reaches certain add-ons and wins his first Netherlands cap.
This summer, Leeds and The 49ers will be hoping it is different – but the situation is black and white. If Leeds get promoted, they won’t need to sell but failure to go up and the club will need to cash in again.
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
One player Leeds United could cash in on is wonderkid Harry Gray
Following in his brother’s footsteps is 16-year-old Harry Gray. A forward already banging in the goals for Leeds’ u21 side, scoring twice in six matches for the second string after being promoted from the 18’s.
He’s getting a taste of senior football, too. Gray was one of six youngsters that joined the first team in flying to Germany during pre-season last term, and Daniel Farke says Gray is joining in senior training.
Little surprise then, that Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Arsenal, Newcastle and older brother Archie’s Tottenham are interested. But Bailey says Leeds are confident in keeping the attacker.
Indeed, Bailey says Gray will be able to sign a professional contract in October and The 49ers feel he will put pen to paper when he turns 17. If he plays for Leeds, he will be the 5th of the Gray family to do so.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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What Archie Gray has said about brother Harry Gray recently
Leeds know they have a serious talent in their ranks and one that will be worth a lot of money down the line. His brother Archie cost £40m but judging by Archie’s comments, Harry could be worth even more.
The Tottenham star once said that his younger brother was “unbelievable” and even suggested he could be better than him. Hopefully for Leeds, Harry will be doing it for Daniel Farke’s side and not elsewhere.
“I don’t think I need to help [Harry]. When I was his age, people just let me trust my ability. The same for him. You’d get advice and help, people didn’t tell you what to do. His ability for his age is unbelievable.”
For now, Leeds will have to be put up with the interest in Gray and have faith the young attacker will put pen to paper on a new Elland Road contract in due course. Promotion to the Premier League will help.