Brentford looked destined to sign Archie Gray on Saturday evening with Archie Gray traveling to West London to do a medical, but he was not the only Elland Road favourite Thomas Frank wanted.
Going into last weekend, there was no inclination of Gray leaving Leeds. He had signed a new contract at Elland Road in January and while The Whites needed a big sale, Gray was not seen as the one to leave.
But reports emerged on Saturday evening that it would be Gray departing with Brentford meeting his £40m release clause. However, on Sunday morning, Leeds rejected the move due to payment structure.
Gray also had a change of heart and Tottenham came in for him, after Aston Villa held talks for Gray last week. The teenager is due to be announced as a new Spurs player on Tuesday, leaving his boyhood club.
But he was not the only Elland Road favourite that Thomas Frank’s side tried to sign in the last few days, with the Bees among the clubs eyeing a “rapid” star:
Brentford tried to sign player that starred for Leeds last term
As part of the negotiations that have seen Tottenham and Leeds agree a deal for Gray, the two clubs have arranged a return to Elland Road for Wales defender Joe Rodon after he starred on loan last season.
While it is a massive blow that Gray is departing for Tottenham, The 49ers have done what they could and got a pretty impressive deal out of it. Leeds are set to receive a profit of £30m and sign Rodon in return.
Spurs honoured Leeds regarding a deal for Rodon by rejecting a £10m bid from Ipswich, and it seems Rodon had the opportunity to join Brentford as well according to a report from the YEP’s Graham Smyth.
He said on X: “Had Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Brentford as options this summer. Decided to return to Leeds United. I suspect the finances were a bit more lucrative elsewhere, too.”
Rodon choosing Leeds is a massive signal of intent from 49ers
Unable to get promoted to the Premier League, the chances of signing Rodon looked as though they had been dashed. Even if Leeds, Spurs and Rodon wanted a deal, finances suggested it would be difficult.
But the stars have aligned and with Tottenham ready to spend £40m on Gray, a quarter of that has been used to get Rodon over the line. The 49ers realising that he is worth the large wage he is likely to be on.
For Rodon himself, it is a big decision to ignore Premier League clubs to sign on with Leeds permanently. It also shows just how much he loved his time at Leeds and that can be put down to the supporters.