Archie Gray was expected to complete a move to Brentford from Leeds United with The 49ers needing to sell for financial reasons, but Graham Smyth and Fabrizio Romano provide a new twist.
Reports emerged on Saturday evening that Leeds were going to cash in on Gray amid a bid worth £40m from Brentford. Profit & Sustainability rules the reason for the club’s decision to accept an offer for Gray.
Indeed, clubs have to submit their finances on June 30 and Leeds reportedly needed to sell a big-name player and rake in some cash in order to comply with the rules and avoid a points deduction this month.
That is according to Ben Jacobs, who saidLeeds had informed Gray that he had to be sold in order for the club toe meet these requirements. That is even with the backlash of fans, and Gray wanting to stay put.
But now, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Smyth provides a shock update, followed up by Romano:
Graham Smyth says Leeds have rejected Brentford’s Gray bid
A move to Brentford seemed a formality. Smyth himself reported on Saturday evening that England U21 star Gray would be on his way to West London and undergoing a Brentford medical on Saturday evening.
The Bees were wary of other Premier League clubs hijacking a move and wanted a medical done quickly. Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham are keeping tabs on a potential Brentord deal.
But now, Smyth says Leeds have rejected the £40m bid tabled by Brentford. It comes as a shock given reports say that the club had allowed Gray to speak and travel to Brentford ahead of an incoming move.
He reported on X: “Leeds United have officially rejected Brentford’s offer for Archie Gray.”
Fabrizio Romano then said on X: “Despite permission for medical and first part of tests, Leeds United have rejected formal proposal from Brentford for Archie Gray.
“Gray situation remains open as more clubs are keen, Brentford wanted to get it done after verbal agreement but deal currently off.”
What now as Gray left in limbo and Leeds need to sell?
What is going on? In typical Leeds fashion, this is all over the place. Gray is now left in limbo having agreed personal terms and said to have completed a medical yesterday evening ahead of a Leeds exit.
Do Leeds really need to sell before the deadline of July 1 to comply with the rules? Or was it just that the 49ers thought £40m was a fair fee for Gray and accepted, underestimating the backlash of Leeds fans?
It could well be the latter, and we have seen it in the past when it comes to the club trying to change a badge. Perhaps, the reaction of supporters has been so angry that the club have changed their mind.