One of Tottenham’s most exciting signings this summer was the capture of Archie Gray from Leeds United, but the young midfielder was also wanted by two of Europe’s biggest clubs earlier this year.
Leeds fought off interest from other clubs for Gray
In a summer mostly dominated by outgoings for Spurs, the signing of Gray earlier in the window has been regarded as a very smart piece of business for one of the brightest young talents in the game.
The 18-year-old has made a great impact at his new club, too, impressing Ange Postecoglou behind the scenes, and featuring as a substitute already in the Premier League.
His departure was a big loss for Leeds, but it is one they saw coming, especially considering the interest the player attracted at the start of the year from both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Speaking on The Square Ball podcast (via Leeds Live), Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear said: “At the time when we did that new contract Archie Gray could have joined any club in the country.
“Real Madrid were interested in Archie Gray, Bayern Munich were interested. the way we were able to keep him was threefold.
“One, we gave him a rather attractive financial offer which matches what he would have been offered in the Premier League. The second was we levied the pathway into the first-team which we felt he had at Leeds United and the fact he had a relationship with the club.
“We also had to construct a contract which he was happy with and wasn’t going to block what he saw as his natural development. If you don’t do that you simply lose them. Archie Gray is a player who will ultimately play for Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.”
Leeds didn’t need to sell Gray
Kinnear also discussed the way the move to Spurs came about, and insisted his club did not need or want to sell Gray.
He added: “Leeds United didn’t approach any club to sell Archie Gray. Normally you offer a player around or speak to the agent, we could have kept him.
“The deal is life-changing and Archie and his dad handled the situation impeccably. He wasn’t forced out and we said if it doesn’t feel right come back and train, but we don’t begrudge him that move.”
Spurs Web Opinion
What a player we’ve bagged here. Archie Gray is destined for the very top, and he’s going to have a long and successful career with Spurs, I am sure of it. I can’t wait to see him get more and more involved as the season goes on.