Ally McCoist has pushed Leeds United to keep Archie Gray at Elland Road this season, implying that Georginio Rutter could be heading to the Premier League.
The Whites missed out on Premier League promotion after losing to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, and the club may need to raise up to £100 million to deal with the weight of outstanding transfer costs. [Daily Mail].
Gray, Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Wilfried Gnonto have all been linked with moves away from Elland Road this summer, but McCoist wants to keep the former in Yorkshire.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Wednesday (29 May, 8:57am), he said: “I’m not sure it’ll be one of the top six, but I can see him [Rutter] moving to the Premier League.” It is unclear whether Leeds will have to sell, but they must keep that squad in order to advance next year.
“Based on the signings, Glen Kamara performed quite well. Archie Gray was playing in the middle of the pitch but has been shifted to right-back; I’d like to see him continue with Leeds for another year or 18 months.”
Will Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray join Leeds United next season?
Gray had a wonderful breakthrough season under Daniel Farke and will undoubtedly be eager to continue his development at Elland Road as a lifelong Leeds supporter.
Despite his natural position as a midfielder, the 18-year-old has spent the most of the 2023/24 season at right-back, covering for multiple early injuries and impressing in the role.
If Gray stays with the club next season, Farke has been asked to create a squad around him and lead the Whites back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
However, given Elland Road’s financial woes, Leeds may have to accept the loss of a couple of key players while they seek to generate funds.
They must guarantee that Gray is not one of the casualties this summer, with various teams around Europe monitoring the situation, notably Bayern Munich.
