Paul Robinson believes “there will be bids” for Archie Gray this summer, therefore Leeds United will need to be in the Premier League to have a fair chance of keeping him.
The Whites signed the local youth to a new contract that would last until 2028 [The Athletic, 16 January], following a promising start in the first squad.
However, former Elland Road and England goalkeeper Robinson believes the Daniel Farke favourite is of such high quality that it will be difficult to keep him out of the English top flight, whether Leeds are with him or not.
Failure to achieve promotion This term is expected to leave the club with “it all on” to fend off bids, with clubs eager to test them despite the prolonged contract.
He exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “Without a doubt, they are preserving their asset financially while also rewarding a young player, one of their own, whom they would like to keep for the duration of the deal if possible.
“All being well, Leeds will be in the Premier League next season, and he will be a Premier League player.” If they are not, they will have to work hard to keep him for next season, as there will be bids that will put their resolve to the test.
“Then it all comes down to what the club want and what the player wants, but for security for both they are in a really good position at the moment.”
Leeds United face a transfer struggle to keep Gray at Elland Road.
Gray only joined the senior team at the beginning of the season, but he has already made 31 appearances in all competitions for Leeds United, 29 of which he started.
There will undoubtedly be times when he struggles, but the 17-year-old has adjusted well to regular first-team play thus far.
It is hardly surprising that Liverpool and Tottenham [Daily Mail, 10 November & Daily Mail, 8 January], among other Premier League clubs, have already taken notice.
While his family ties to Elland Road aid the club’s chances, they are unlikely to be enough to keep him from making the move up if the Whites do not get out of the second tier, and it may be impossible to keep him from leaving entirely in the long run.
