Leeds United fans are hurting and will be for quite some time after the club were forced into the sale of Archie Gray, and Lucas Radebe has reacted on Twitter to the youngster’s exit.
The 18-year-old left Leeds officially on Tuesday after the England U21 man was the subject of talks with Aston Villa, before Brentford made a bid and The Whites gave permission for the young star to travel.
But then, he had a ‘change of heart’ regarding a move to The Bees and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham swooped. Spurs have agreed the £40m signing of Gray, with Joe Rodon coming the other way for £10m.
Gray has penned a six-year deal worth £75,000 a week, and it puts Leeds in a much better place when it comes to finances to go and push for promotion, The Whites trying to appease fans with an explanation.
Elland Road legend Radebe, nicknamed The Chief, has had his say on Gray’s move to Spurs:
Lucas Radebe comments on Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham
Indeed, fans are incredibly frustrated that it was Gray that has had to be sold. Some reports suggest his exit is due to Profit & Sustainability Rules, and the club needing to sell one big player before July 1.
Leeds fans have expected to lose Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto or possibly Illan Meslier and they still might. But supporters are heartbroken that Gray has gone, with Tottenham the beneficiaries.
Leeds icon Radebe took to X and described Gray’s departure as “concerning”, telling fans of the club he is synonymous with that it is all about “career choices”. He went on to wish Gray the best of luck at Spurs.
Radebe said: “Losing our best players, Leeds United, is concerning especially young talent. It’s all about career choices. Well done Archie Gray and all the best.”
What Gray’s exit means for the rest of the Leeds squad…
Plenty of players have garnered interest after a stellar 2023-24 campaign. But Gray’s exit has improved Leeds’ position financially and now, the club are under no enormous pressure to cash in on their stars.
Proven by the club rejecting a move to Brighton for Georginio Rutter, after reports emerged on Tuesday night that James Milner’s Brighton had bid £30m for Rutter – but the offer was rejected by The 49ers.
It puts Leeds in a stronger position regarding the future of Summerville, Gnonto, Meslier or Rutter. It means Leeds are not forced to cash in and can sell if they feel the value is fair and the player is keen.