‘An almightly backlash’ – Journalist says Spurs are unlikely to sign young star
Journalist Beren Cross has said that Tottenham Hotspur will find it extremely difficult to get their hands on Archie Gray this summer, insisting that there will be a major fan backlash at Leeds if the right-back is sold.
Tottenham are keeping an eye on Archie Gray
It has been well documented that Spurs are looking for a right-back to replace Emerson Royal, who is expected to leave the club this summer, with Gray being mooted as a target for the Lilywhites.
Football.London’s Alasdair Gold stated last week that the Leeds academy graduate is seen as someone who would be a natural fit for the inverted full-back role in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
However, he was one of many reporters to suggest that the youngster is not desperate to leave Elland Road this summer and is prepared to play another year of regular football in the Championship before making a big move.
The Athletic even claimed a couple of days ago that that Gray has been on Tottenham’s radar for a long time, with the North London club alleged to have explored a move for the youngster before he signed his first professional contract back in March of last year.
However, Cross has now asserted that despite Leeds’ financial issues, Gray is not a player they would want to cash in on this summer as the right-back’s value is only going to increase over the next 12 months.
Leeds are unlikely to sell Archie Gray this summer
When asked about Tottenham’s pursuit of the teenager, the journalist told Football.London: “Archie Gray is one of the other players to come out of last season with a high profile. The 18-year-old was named Championship Young Player of the Season. You can see the trend.
“The difference with Gray is his age and importance to the fan base. His name is iconic in Leeds circles, as the grandson of Frank and great-nephew of Eddie, and as a product of the academy, he bleeds white.
“While supporters understand money needs to be raised this summer, they would rather sell every player in the squad before parting with Gray.
“While [Crysencio] Summerville’s aspirations and trajectory are accepted, at 18, there is belief Gray can have more years with his boyhood club to develop before flying the nest.
“There is no hiding the fact Gray can become a generational England talent. Gareth Southgate has already started talking about him after one full season of senior football.
“Any fee raised for him this summer could feasibly be doubled in two more years if Leeds can just hold on. Marathe and the board know they will face an almighty backlash if Gray is sold this summer.”
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It sounds like it is going to take a mammoth offer of around £40m-£50m for Tottenham to convince Leeds to part ways with Gray.
Even if the Lilywhites are convinced about the 18-year-old’s potential, that is a steep price to pay for a backup right-back and someone who has no top-flight experience.
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