Phil Hay revealed a hidden condition in Archie Gray’s contract before the Leeds United star signed a new long-term agreement at Elland Road earlier this year.
Gray, 18, has been outstanding for Leeds this season, earning the Championship’s Young Player of the Season accolade. Gray has already made 51 appearances in all competitions this season.
A large number of games given Gray made his Leeds debut on the first day of the season, a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. He has progressed from being an England U17 player to scoring for the England U21 team.
Such performance from a player of Gray’s age is bound to pique interest. Bayern Munich, who are expected to appoint Vincent Kompany as manager, are the latest of several European heavyweights to be linked.
However, Hay claims on The Athletic’s website that Leeds had an agreement in place with the young midfielder before to signing a long-term contract that would ensure his future commitment to his boyhood club.
Hay now exposes the hidden provision that kept Gray in Leeds prior to the sale.
Clubs are unable to issue long-term contracts to players under the age of 18, and Gray has subsequently signed a contract that would keep him at Elland Road until the summer of 2028, confirming his commitment to Leeds.
Hay claims Leeds had a clause in place that required the club to offer Gray a percentage of the lowest price received for the teenager, despite interest from Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City.
Gray agreed to sign as soon as possible, and he did so. Gray has often stated that his future is at Elland Road, and that he aspires to play at the highest level for Yorkshire.
Are Leeds concerned about losing Gray if they do not win on Sunday?
If Leeds does not win against Southampton on Sunday, a few players may quit the club. Joe Rodon is the logical choice, as he is only on a brief loan from Tottenham.
The Welsh star’s form will certainly piqued the eye of the Premier League. Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo, Willy Gnonto, and Crysencio Summerville have all sparked attention at various stages in 2023-24.
But for Gray, sources indicate that Leeds are unconcerned about losing the England wonderkid, even if the team must stay in the Championship for another season and lose on Sunday.
