Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of 18-year-old Archie Gray from Leeds United after successfully hijacking Brentford's move for the teenager.
The 2006-born protege - who can play as a right-back or central midfielder - has agreed a six-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2030 and will wear the number 14 shirt for the Lilywhites.
Gray becomes Ange Postecoglou's first permanent signing of the summer window and their second overall, following the loan return of RB Leipzig's Timo Werner for the 2024-25 season.
Gray had reportedly attracted interest from a plethora of top European clubs - namely Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal - on the back of an exceptional breakthrough season at Elland Road, where he set up two goals in 52 games last season.
However, a move to Brentford initially appeared to be on the cards, as Gray had reportedly undergone his medical and given the green light to joining Thomas Frank's side, only to have a last-minute change of heart.
It's official! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/rAFGakSf5D
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 2, 2024
Leeds "heartbroken" by Gray departure
Gray's rethink allowed Tottenham to swoop in and trigger a clause in the 18-year-old's contract - believed to be worth around £40m - which had become active due to Leeds' failure to earn promotion to the Premier League.
In a moving statement, Leeds said that they were "heartbroken" to lose the England Under-21 international but also reflected on the financial positives of selling Gray as they push for a top-flight return again next season.
"Leeds United can confirm Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the North London outfit met a release clause that was triggered by the club's failure to get promoted at the first attempt," the Whites said.
"Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board's resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.
"Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club's chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league's financial control regulations.
"Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home."
Joe Rodon completes Leeds return as Gray heads the other way
© Reuters
A matter of minutes after Gray's transfer was announced, Tottenham and Leeds confirmed that an agreement had been struck to send Wales defender Joe Rodon in the opposite direction.
The former Swansea City man excelled on loan with Daniel Farke's men in the 2023-24 campaign, although Leeds' playoff final loss to Southampton had ostensibly scuppered their chances of a permanent deal.
However, Tottenham's interest in Gray allowed Leeds to rekindle their pursuit of Rodon, who will reportedly cost the Whites £10m following confusion over whether his deal would be part of the Gray transfer or structured separately.
Rodon departs Tottenham having played 24 matches for the Lilywhites across all competitions, and the centre-back has agreed a four-year contract with Leeds until the summer of 2028.
Meanwhile, Gray could make his non-competitive debut for Postecoglou's side in a friendly against Hearts on July 17, before the Lilywhites travel to Leicester City on August 19 for their opening Premier League fixture of the 2024-25 season.
Ben Knapton
