According to HITC, Red Bull want to move Archie Gray to RB Leipzig, while Leeds United is looking for a “major” sell this summer.
According to their website (28 June), the Whites want to keep the 18-year-old, but a move to the Bundesliga is on the cards, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich also interested.
However, after purchasing a minority investment in the club earlier this summer [The Athletic, 30 May], Red Bull now wants to bring Gray to Germany with one of their other clubs in a move that might aid Leeds’ financial situation.
Red Bull exploit Leeds United’s problems in order to sign Archie Gray?
The financial position at Elland Road has been overstated, but sales are still needed and expected this summer, and Gray is one of the club’s most valuable assets.
Crysencio Summerville is also anticipated to depart the club [Phil Hay, 27 May], although with the Dutch winger’s contract expiring in two years, the value he may contribute is less than initially expected.
Gray, on the other hand, signed a new deal last season and, at the age of 18, is expected to generate a lot of interest and money if he leaves.
Premier League clubs have also expressed interest, although Leeds would undoubtedly prefer to move him abroad if he is to leave so that they do not have to play against him too much in the future, whilst Red Bull would at least keep him in the ‘family’.
There is still a long way to go in the summer transfer window, and the lines of contact between Red Bull and the 49ers will remain open, so things might explode at any time.