Tottenham announce signing of Archie Gray from Leeds as defender heads in opposite direction
07/02/2024 05:43 AM
Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Archie Gray.
Spurs activated the 18-year-old forward’s £40million release clause and he passed a medical on Monday.
Defender Joe Rodon has joined Leeds as part of the deal, meaning Spurs will pay £25m-£30m.
It is believed that Brentford had initially offered over his release clause to get a deal done quickly and he was even set to undergo a medical.
But the move was shot down over issues with the payment structure.
Leeds academy product Gray had been offered a contract worth £75,000-a-week, an attractive package for the 18-year-old.
The deal was set to smash Brentford’s current transfer record, which stands at £30m when they agreed a deal with Belgian side Club Brugge for Brazilian forward Igor Thiago in February.
Gray was also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.
But now is now a Tottenham player, the club have announced.
The England youth international only made his senior debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
He went on to make 52 appearances for the Whites in all competitions – chipping in with a goal and two assists.
Starting the campaign as a central midfielder, Gray went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back, showcasing his versatility.
Leeds had hoped to secure Premier League football for themselves, but missed out on automatic promotion to Leicester and Ipswich.
Despite making it to the play-off final, Daniel Farke‘s side were beaten by Southampton, subjecting them to at least one more year in the second-tier.
It is believed that Gray’s departure will see them comply with Profit and Sustainability rules, which would put them in a strong position should Crysencio Summerville be subject to any offers.
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