Defeat to Southampton in the play-off final has left Leeds United fans worried for the future of their key players including Archie Gray, and Paraag Marathe has now commented on those rumours.
Gray, 18, has been exceptional for Leeds in what was a largely successful season. Leeds amassed a huge 90 points in The Championship, becoming only the second side to reach that total without promotion.
Of course, promotion would have been obtained had Leeds managed to beat Southampton at Wembley on Sunday but Russell Martin’s side got the better of Daniel Farke once again, the third time this season.
It sees Leeds forced to fight it out for promotion in The second tier for a second season. The 49ers have placed their faith in Farke to get it right a second time round, with more time on his side this summer.
Of course, Leeds will have to sell some players and it is likely to be a number of key stars in order to balance the books. That has led to worries regarding Gray, and Marathe has now discussed his future.
Marathe responds when asked about Gray future at Leeds
Gray has made it clear that his future is at Elland Road on a number of occasions and still only 18, it is not as if another season in the second tier plays a huge part in the grand scheme of his professional career.
If 28, it would be understandable if Gray had offers from the Premier League. But still a teen, he’s learning his trade despite playing more than 50 games this season. There are clubs interested in signing Gray.
Bayern Munich are keen, and Marathe spoke to Sky Sports: “A little too early to answer specific questions. I can’t talk on specific players. If I can paint the big picture for you, there are certain things we need to do.
“We will make sure we are fully compliant with P&S as we always have been, and there are certain trade-offs that we have to make. We’ll figure out which moves we have to make to make sure we are compliant.
“It is too early to say, obviously Archie is a tremendous player, as all the players who have put so much effort in for us, but every season brings change. I can’t yet comment on it, but we’ll see what happens.”
The players Leeds could sell in order to balance the books
Reports state that Leeds owe £190m in transfer fees, but these records do not include the cash brought in from selling Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra as well as the second-year of incoming parachute payment.
However, cash still needs to be raised and Leeds will surely start with players currently out on loan. The likes of Jack Harrison, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and Max Wober have all impressed while at loan clubs.
Then, Gnonto, Summerville and possibly Gray could be used to bring in cash. But for the sake of Leeds fans, The 49ers must do all they can to keep Gray at Elland Road for the 2024-25 campaign.